The press service of the Land of the Leopard National Park has announced the discovery of the first natural colony of endangered Altai mouse-eared bats in Russia. A group of these rare bats has settled in a coastal grotto on False Islet Cape within the territory of the Far Eastern Marine Reserve.
Scientists captured several dozen bats using mist nets. Among them were males, females, and their young. After collecting biological material, the animals were released back into the wild at the capture site unharmed.
The Altai mouse-eared bat is found in Russia only in the Primorsky Krai. It is a rare migratory species that prefers to winter in warmer countries. However, in recent years, due to climate change, these bats can be found in Russia even in winter.
Colonies of these bats typically consist of females with young. Until now, they have only been observed in artificial shelters, such as attics or under roofs. The discovery of a breeding colony in a natural cave is a unique occurrence and underscores the need for further research.
The statement notes that breeding colonies are very vulnerable. Females with newborn young are completely helpless and defenseless until the pups are able to fly. This usually happens by the first month of life.
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