The 25th bat species has now been observed in Carinthia. A colony of whiskered bats has been discovered in the European conservation area of Lendspitz-Maiernigg in Klagenfurt.
During research work, employees of the Coordination Office for Bat Protection and Research in Austria (KFFÖ) and the Arge NATURSCHUTZ discovered a bat species in the European conservation area Lendspitz-Maiernigg, not only for Carinthia. “Although the first individuals were caught as early as 2020, it took longer before this first detection could also be genetically verified,” reports Markus Milchram (KFFÖ).
Surprising was not only the first detection, but also the discovery of a colony, which was achieved using radio telemetry. In addition, the site was in an area previously surveyed for bat studies. “In times of biodiversity crisis, this discovery is very important. You can only protect what you know,” emphasizes bat protector Klaus Krainer. Bats play an important role in our ecosystems.
In recent years, the populations of some bat species appear to be recovering. But this positive trend could very quickly be reversed as a result of insect mortality, global warming and the progressive intensification of agriculture and forestry.
Source: Krone
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