The importance of forest conservation for the survival of the range-restricted Pipistrellus hanaki, an endemic bat from Crete and Cyrenaica

In this study, we examine the relation of Pipistrellus hanaki, a bat species limited to Cyrenaica, Libya and Crete, with the relict forests of Crete. Radiotracking of males (in autumn) and lactating females (in early summer) showed that P. hanaki uses a range of roost types, but Quercus forest stands and old tree cultivations are largely preferred for foraging, while open areas, young Cupressus stands and Mediterranean maquis are avoided.To unveil larger-scale patterns of habitat suitability by the species, we used Maxent to model its potential distribution on Crete using Chelsa Climatology. The resulted model showed high distribution probability around the mountains of central and western Crete, where native Cupressus, Pinus and Quercus stands are still present, and the climatic conditions are favourable.The strong dependence of this strictly southeast Mediterranean bat on forests and old tree cultivations stresses the need for conservation of these habitat types. In situ forest protection and environmental friendly livestock and farming practices are necessary to ensure the long–term survival of the species in Crete.
Source: Mammalian Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: research