Some ecological aspects of bats hibernating in city of Poznań

Abstract

During 1975 - 82 a total of 4,426 bats belonging to 9 species, the most numerous, Myotis myotis, Barbastella barbastellus, M. daubentoni, M. nattereri and Pipastrellus auritus , hibernated in forts, in the citadel, in single gun bunkers and in the cellars of buildings. Distinct differences were observed among the species regarding preferred temperatures and choice of types of winter shelters. M. myotis , the most thermophilus species, hibernated at greater heights than the other species in the most remote parts of such shelters which ensured a relatively constant and high temperature during hibernation. Species preferring lower temperatures were more tolerant in their humidity requirements than were the more thermophilous species. In the shelters examined the distribution of bats depended on type of shelter, conditions, prevailing in it and on temperature requirements and humidity preferences characteristic of each species.