BatLab Trier

“Ecology and conservation of the Sardinian long-eared bat (Plecotus sardus)”

The Sardinian long-eared was recognized in 2002 as a separate species. It is currently known only from two separate areas in Sardinia. So far, nothing about its ecology and the ecological niches of the other two Plecotus species Sardinia (Grey long-eared, Plecotus austriacus, and brown long-eared, Plecotus auritus) is known. We investigate the distribution of all three species in Sardinia in order to model of their habitat requirements. Radio telemetry of P. sardus provides data on foraging habitats. We also investigate the gene flow between the known populations as well as their repertoire of social and echolocation calls. Our data will be used to develop a strategy to protect this highly endangered island endemic in tight cooperation with the ‘Centro Pipistrelli Sardegna’.

Funding:

  • EUROBATS/UNEP.

Partners:

  • Centro Pipistrelli Sardegna (Ce.Pi.Sar .; Mauro Mucedda)"
Plecotus sardus (© Mauro Mucedda)