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Mopek zachodni Barbastella barbastellus. Biologia i ochrona gatunku
The Barbastelle Bat Barbastella barbastellus. Biology and conservation The book summarizes the state of knowledge about the biology of the Barbastelle bat, as well as its habitat requirements and threats. It also includes recommendations for the conservation of the species, based on available scientific literaturę and the many years of experience of the authors. The Barbastelle is a Palaearctic species, found over nearly all of Europe (Fig. 6). However, in many regions of its occurrence, there is a lack of information on the trends and population status of this bat. Based on the available data, it can be concluded that in most countries the species is rare and shows a declining trend. The Barbastelle bat has most frequently been recorded in Central Europe: Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In Poland, the Barbastelle is most abundant in the eastern, central and southwestern regions (Fig. 7). In other parts of the country it seems to be rare. Currently, its population is assessed as stable or with a slight upward trend. On the basis of the results of winter bat counts in regularly monitored underground roosts, the population of this bat is estimated at a minimum of 13,900 individuals (Table 1). As of 2023, 93 Natura 2000 areas in Poland list the Barbastelle as one of their objects of protection (Table 2, Fig. 8). In 82 of these areas, the bat’s population size is assigned category C (i.e., it is 0–2% of the national population). In Natura 2000 areas in Poland, the population is mainly protected during winter (in 53 areas), while during the breeding season the species is protected in 39 areas. This is not enough for the effective protection of the Barbastelle bat. It is necessary to undertake protection efforts on a larger scale, ensuring favourable conservation status during breeding, wintering and migration periods. The Barbastelle is a forest-dwelling bat species that frequently switches roosts (it prefers dead and dying trees). To provide an adequate number of roosts, it is necessary to leave as many old and dying trees as possible standing in woodlands and forests. Where old trees are lacking, an effective measure to increase the number of roosts for breeding colonies is to install artificial shelters – crevice boxes (Appendix), which should be hung in groups of several in one place (Fig. 42). For the protection of this cold-loving bat species, it is important to protect the underground roosts where they hibernate. Protection should include large underground objects, but also smaller, shallower objects that cool down quickly, such as bunkers and cellars. Adaptation of such objects to the role of wintering sites for bats is particularly important in lowland areas, where natural undergrounds (caves) are scarce. It also becomes increasingly important for the protection of cryophilic, sedentary bat species (such as the Barbastelle), in the context of the present climate change. The Barbastelle has a short echolocation range and generally avoids open areas devoid of landmarks. Thus, one of the biggest threats to this bat species is habitat fragmentation. It is crucial to preserve linear landscape elements in the form of treelines, hedgerows, riverbank vegetation etc., which will provide safe flight paths between habitat patches used by bats and also make contact between individuals from neighboring areas possible.
Importance of Heritage Structures as Bat Roosts in the Sahara Desert
ABSTRACTIn addition to the availability of water and invertebrate prey, roost sites are considered the main factors enabling bats to survive in desert areas. Because suitable roost sites are often limiting resources, human constructions are also important for these animals. Conversely, in the context of built heritage conservation, bats are often discussed as a cause of damages. However, if historic structures deteriorate, they may lose their suitability as roosting sites for bats. This study examines how the condition of domed tombs in Sudan affects their use by bats. Inspections of 19 tombs revealed that bats occupied only undamaged structures, with 1652 individuals of four species found. Slightly and partially damaged tombs were not used by bats. These findings highlight the importance of preserving man‐made structures as critical roosting sites in arid environments to support local bat populations.
Comparison of the Foraging Activity of Bats in Coniferous, Mixed, and Deciduous Managed Forests
The aim of this study was to compare the foraging activity of bats in coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests and to test whether this activity was subject to seasonal variation. Sample points were selected in stands of similar spatial structure in coniferous (Pinus sylvestris L.), in mixed (Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.), and in deciduous (Quercus petraea) managed forests in western Poland. Bat calls were recorded using automated ultrasound recording devices (Batcorder 3.0, ecoObs, Nürnberg, Germany) during five consecutive nights from May to September in each of the six stands. A total of 4250 bat passes were recorded. Overall, 63.1% of bat passes were identified to species, 31.6% were identified to genus or sonotype group, and 5.3% remained unidentified. In total, eight species of bats and seven sonotype groups were recorded. The dominant species in all types of forests were Pipistrellus pygmaeus (44.5% of recorded bat passes), followed by Nyctalus noctula (10.3%) and Pipistrellus nathusii (5.7%). There were no significant differences in the total activity of bats between the three types of forests; however, high seasonal fluctuations in bat foraging activity were found. This study demonstrates that when coniferous, deciduous, and mixed stands with similar spatial structure are compared, forest type does not affect the foraging activity of bats.
Effect of logging residue removal and mechanical site preparation on productivity of the subsequent Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands
Abstract Key message Removal of logging residue negatively affected tree diameter and height, but had no significant effect on the basal area of the subsequent stand (in the mid-term). On the other hand, different methods of mechanical site preparation (bedding, plowing furrows, and trenching) had no effect on tree growth 1 year after planting, but had a significant effect on tree diameter, tree height, and basal area in the mid-term. Bedding treatments could have a significant positive impact on the productivity of the subsequent Scots pine stands, even when planted on sandy, free-draining soils. Context Increased use of logging residues in forests may address the growing demand for renewable energy. However, concerns have arisen regarding the depletion of the forest soil, resulting in a decrease in the productivity of the next forest generation. Identifying the drivers of forest growth may be the key to understanding the relationship between logging residue removal and stand productivity. Aims Quantifying the effect of three mechanical site preparation methods (bedding, plowing furrows, and trenching) combined with five methods of logging residue management (complete removal, comminution, incineration, leaving whole, comminution with, and without mixing with topsoil) on growth of subsequent Scots pine stands, 1 year and 12 years after planting. Methods The experiment was set up as a randomized complete block design of 45 plots with three replications of combinations of three mechanical site preparation methods and five logging residue treatment methods. Results The effects of the different methods of mechanical site preparation were not significant 1 year after planting but bedding treatment caused increase in DBH, tree height, and basal area after 12 years. Various methods of logging residue management did not cause any differences in the survival rate nor the basal area of the next-generation stands; however, there was a significant influence on tree sizes. Moreover, the effects changed with time; in plots with a complete removal of logging residues, the trees were the highest 1 year after planting, but after 12 years, their height and DBH were the lowest. Conclusions It can be concluded that bedding treatments could have a significant positive impact on the productivity of the subsequent Scots pine stands. No effect found of different logging residue treatments on the productivity of Scots pine stands further confirms that the increased removal of biomass from the forest environment does not necessarily result in its rapid degradation. Observations at longer term are however needed to obtain the full spectrum of responses to logging residue removal.
Importance of birds and bats in the diet of the striped polecat (Ictonyx striatus) in archaeological heritage Old Dongola (Sudan)
Needle Biomass Turnover Rate in Scots Pine Stands of Different Ages
Understanding needle biomass turnover rates in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands is crucial for modelling forest ecosystem dynamics and nutrient cycling. This study examined needle litterfall and biomass turnover in Scots pine stands of varying ages in temperate forests (western Poland). The research focused on determining how stand age affects needle biomass, litterfall and the associated turnover rates. Data were collected from 20 Scots pine stands aged 26 to 90 years, and needle litterfall was measured and analysed in relation to stand characteristics such as age, density and biomass. The average annual needle litter production of the sampled Scots pine stands was 2008 kg·ha−1·year−1, similar to the values previously reported for this tree species in other temperate forests in Europe. The average needle biomass turnover rate for sampled Scots pine stands was 23.4%. We could not support the hypothesis that this parameter depended on the age of the Scots pine stand. The needle biomass turnover rate showed a positive correlation with crown length and a negative correlation with stand density due to the very weak correlations; however, further research is needed to confirm these relationships. Despite this, the parameter can be used to estimate needle litterfall and can be applicable to conditions corresponding to those of temperate forests in Central and Western Europe. This study also highlights the need for further research on needle biomass turnover in temperate forests to improve the accuracy of carbon and nutrient cycling models. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of needle litterfall in maintaining soil fertility and forest productivity, offering insights into sustainable forest management and conservation strategies.