The press service of the federal specially protected natural territories of the Altai Territory has reported on the results of the wintering bat survey conducted in December in the caves of the Tigireksky Nature Reserve. A total of 210 bats of six species were found.
The largest hibernation site was recorded in the Yashchur cave. There, experts recorded about a hundred individuals. The second largest hibernation site is located in the Bolshaya Khankharinskaya cave. Sixty bats were found there. Scientists also surveyed other caves: Mrachnaya and Ushany on Mount Semipeshchernaya, Drevnyaya in Strashny Log, Logovo hyeny, Dragunskaya, Pridorozhnaya. In some of them, temperature and humidity sensors, as well as camera traps, were installed to record bat activity.
The most common species encountered by researchers was the endangered sharp-eared bat. Eastern noctules and Siberian horseshoe bats were the second most numerous. A small number of Ognev's bats, pond bats, and northern bats were also noted.
In addition to the survey, specialists also collected biomaterial from bats to identify infection of animals with dangerous human infections. The collection was carried out using minimally invasive methods and covered only 22% of the population. Bats were also examined for ectoparasites - fleas, gamasid mites, and diptera. Now scientists have to conduct a study in which they will try to identify the role of bats as a source of leptospirosis for humans.
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