Monitoring And Telemetry Of Long-Distance Migratory Bats In Germany.pdf

Two research projects are focused on monitoring and studying long-distance migratory bat species in Germany: "Monitoring Migratory Bat Species in Germany" and "Long-distance radio telemetry." The primary goal is to determine the ecological status of these bats, which face significant threats from habitat loss, food scarcity, and collisions with wind power plants.

Project 1: Monitoring Migratory Bats

- This project involves collecting and visualizing seasonal distribution data for Pipistrellus nathusii, Nyctalus leisleri, and Vespertilio murinus using bat detectors, isolated records, roosting site visits, netting, and collision casualty recordings near wind energy plants.
- Data collection is conducted annually by volunteers, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of these bats' migration patterns and habitat usage.
- As of 20.02.2017, there have been 2,046 records of P. nathusii, 248 of N. leisleri, and 133 of V. murinus.

Project 2: Long-distance Telemetry with Amateur Radio Operators

- Initiated in 2015, this project collaborates with amateur radio operators to track the movement of marked bats over long distances using specialized 150 MHz radio transmitters.
- In 2015, two tagged female P. nathusii were successfully tracked. No records were made in 2016, but plans are underway for 8 P. nathusii and 12 N. leisleri to be tagged in 2017.
- They seek active support from amateur radio operators across Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, UK) to expand the tracking network.

Additional Initiatives:

- The "Fledermauszug in Lettland" project is supported, focusing on scientific mapping of migratory bats through tagging and marking campaigns.
- A Fledermausmarkierungszentrale (Bat Marking Center) in Dresden, operated by LfULG, facilitates extensive annual marking efforts and active search for marked bats through netting and roost site inspections.

Contact Information:

- Kathleen Kuhring ([email protected])
- Bernd Ohlendorf ([email protected])
- Falko Meyer ([email protected])
- Hans-Jörg Vogl ([email protected])
- Email: [email protected]