The press service of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia has announced the completion of bat monitoring on Kunashir Island, conducted by a team of young scientists from the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences from July 19 to 24. The research also involved employees from the Kuril Nature Reserve.
The comprehensive study encompassed habitats of various bat species, with part of the work taking place within the reserve, which is home to 11 species of bats: two species of tube-nosed bats, six species of the most numerous genus of bats (Nyctalus), the Japanese big-eared bat, the northern bat, and the Japanese brown long-eared bat.
Scientists assessed the population status and gathered new data on the biology and ecology of poorly studied, narrow-range bat species. They also investigated the gene pool of island populations and collected material for molecular genetic analysis. Additionally, specialists examined specific skin parasites found only in bat fur.
"The research confirmed the stability of the population of the long-fingered bat, which is both the most numerous and the most vulnerable bat species on Kunashir. Scientists estimate that there are currently about 3,000 individuals on the island. However, due to this species' reproductive characteristics, they are the primary concern for researchers today," the announcement stated.
Before giving birth, female long-fingered bats gather into reproductive colonies located in caves and grottos along the coastal area. If disturbed, the entire colony may flee, becoming an easy target for predatory birds. Tourists frequently visit the caves within the Kuril Nature Reserve, often in an unorganized manner. In this regard, careless visits to the caves could result in the loss of the entire colony and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to the extinction of the entire species on the island.
As a result of the studies, nearly a hundred bats from five species were captured and banded. The full results of the bat monitoring on Kunashir will be released by the end of the year after analyzing all the collected data.
Reuters has reported that the New Zealand government has announced a nearly threefold increase in fees for foreign tourists. Starting October 1st, the entry fee to the country will be 100 New Zealand dollars, equivalent to approximately 62 US dollars
The press service of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development has reported that, according to Rosstat, Russian hotels, sanatoriums, and other accommodation facilities welcomed 9.99 million guests in July of this year
Blogs
