New Bat Species Discovered in Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide

The Heinz Sielmann Foundation has made significant strides in understanding the bat population in the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide, a notable natural landscape in Germany. Through an extensive monitoring project, the foundation has identified two additional bat species, enhancing the biodiversity profile of the region.

Utilizing specialized recording devices, known as Batcorders, the foundation conducted a thorough study over a span of 19 nights during June and July of 2024. This monitoring effort captured over 6,000 bat calls, allowing researchers to analyze the ultrasonic sounds that these creatures use for navigation and communication.

Prior to this initiative, seven species of bats were already known to inhabit the area. The recent findings revealed the presence of the Lesser Noctule and the Greater Noctule, bringing the total number of bat species in the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide to nine out of the 24 species found in Germany. This discovery underscores the ecological significance of the former military training ground, which provides a variety of habitats suitable for these nocturnal mammals.

The diverse array of habitats within the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide, including open fields, forest edges, and ancient villages, creates ideal conditions for the bats. These environments not only offer hunting grounds but also provide safe roosting sites during the day. Furthermore, the region is recognized as one of the darkest areas in Germany, which is advantageous for these light-sensitive species.

In addition to the newly identified species, the Greater Mouse-eared Bat, known for its impressive wingspan of approximately 40 centimeters, and the Small Water Bat have also been recorded in the area. The richness of insect life in the Heide serves as a vital food source for the bat population, which has been diminishing in agricultural areas where intensive farming practices are prevalent.

The Heinz Sielmann Foundation's monitoring efforts are set to continue, with plans to gather further data on bat populations and explore additional conservation measures to support these species. The foundation is committed to biodiversity preservation across Germany and manages several large conservation areas in Brandenburg, including the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide.