Ábrahám Levente (szerk.): Válogatott tanulmányok X. - Natura Somogyiensis 25. (Kaposvár, 2014)
Winkler D. - Erdő Á. - Mille J. - Kovács H.: New data on the distribution of Barbastelle bat (Barbastella barbastellus) in Western Hungary
216 Natura Somogyiensis Q distribution estimate (2007-2012) J formerly known occurence 9 2013 survey data Fig. 2: Estimated distribution (2007-2012) and formerly known occurences of barbastelle bat in Vas and Somogy Counties (EIONET 2013) and the results of the 2013 surveys In the counties Vas and Somogy, total number of UTM 10x10 km squares, where barbastelle bat’s occurrence has been proved, increased from 10 to 27 (Fig. 2). Discussion While mainly considered as a sub-montane species in Hungary (Szatyor 2000, Bihari 2007), more and more observations of Barbastelle Bats are reported from lowland areas (Dombi 2005, Szatyor 2005, Görföl & Dombi 2009). This phenomenon is well reflected in our detector survey results in Vas and Somogy Counties. Although the presence of colonies has not been proved due to the limitations of the method used, the constant detection of the species in most survey sites strengthen the probability of reproduction. The availability of suitable habitats is generally adequate, since both riverine woodlands and lowland pedunculate oak-hornbeam woodlands could offer sufficient food source (e.g. moths) and roosting possibilities. Since loose bark is considered as the most important roost type for this species (Russo et al. 2004, Görföl & Dombi 2009), the presence of standing dead trees in these forests is crucial for the barbastelle bat. The new occurrences underline also the necessity to determine appropriate guidelines for woodland management in the affected sites, which include elimination of clear-cuts, preservation of dead and mature trees; reforestation with native tree species only and clearing of invasive tree species, such as Fraxinus pennsilvanica and Acer negundo in the riverine forests.
