Bats hibernating in underground shelters of Małe Pieniny mountains (the Carpathian Mountains, Southern Poland)

Abstract

Six bat species were observed during winter censuses in years 2005-2009: Lesser horseshoe bat, Mouse-eared bat, Daubenton's bat, Whiskered/Brandt's bat, Northern bat and Brown long-eared bat. Rhinolophus hipposideros was most numerous (67% of all bats recorded). Largest hibernaculum on Polish side of range was mine Bania w Jarmucie, with maximum 29 bats during a single control, through the years of research number of species and individuals was increasing. Rarely seen in Outer Carpathians Eptesicus nilssonii winter roost was found in Homole Ravine Reserve.