In the village of Molgino in the Pskov region in the European part of Russia, a small infected bat was found – a larger cockroach (Pipistrellus nathusii). It was marked on the wing that it came from the London Zoo, so it was soon established that it had traveled 2018 km. The British organization dealing with the protection of these mammals was informed of the discovery. It turned out to be a female.
Exciting scientific discovery
This little bat was recorded in 2016 by bat recorder Brian Briggs. “It’s very exciting. It’s great to be able to contribute to the international action to protect these amazing animals and learn more about their wonderful lives” – podkre¶li³ brian.
Scientists have compared the animal to an Olympian. “This is an extraordinary journey, and longer than any racket from Great Britain all over Europe. What an Olympian”- Lisa Worledge of the Bat Conservation Fund said:. – “This is an exciting scientific discovery and another element in the mystery of bat migration. The movements of the great pygmies around Great Britain and also between the island and the continent are largely shrouded in mystery” – she added.
The animal that ended its journey in Russia, weakened after the flight, unfortunately fell victim to the cat. Karlik cannot be saved. It is one of the longest known journeys of bats in the world, the furthest known record from Great Britain through Europe and the only movement recorded over long distances from west to east in this way. This is the first record recorded by a female.
Two years ago, another larger dwarf bat flew from Latvia to Spain, traveling a slightly greater distance: 2,224 kilometers. Given the size and weight of another Olympian, his achievement still broke records in his class.
of migratory species
Karlik is a migratory species. According to the researchers, the travel path may be threatened by wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. Better knowledge about this can help gather information about the location and management of wind turbines to reduce the risk of these animals dying.
Scientists explain that the expanded range of migration of this species of bat is linked to climate change. In the future it is expected to have an even greater impact on these mammals.
The National Program for the Protection of Pygmy Pygmy has been implemented in Great Britain since 2014. Within seven years, more than 2,600 individuals of this species have been registered.
¬ród³o: bats.org.uk
