Weight dynamics of bats wintering in the cave at Puławy (Poland)

Abstract

During 4 winter periods bats were collected in an artificial cave, weighed, and released again; in all there are 1016 weighings on 646 specimens, 53% of which were Myotis nattereri. In some spp. a rapid rise in body weight was observed in autumn; a maximum was reached in October or November. Decrease of weight during hibernation may reach 40% of the autumn weight. Increases in weight at temperatures close to 0[degree]C. were observed in a number of cases. Bats from Central Poland are generally heavier than these from more northern areas. || ABSTRACT AUTHORS: A. Pigon