Keeping Track of Prespa’s Bats, Albania

This work represents an important contribution to the continuous documentation of bats in the Albanian part of Prespa Lakes (with a total of 33 sites visited). Throughout these surveys conducted in four seasons, from 2023 to 2024, various locations such as caves, tunnels, bunkers, buildings, forested areas and bridges were monitored. This effort led to identifying 13 bat species, some of which are rarely seen in this region. These species include Hypsugo savii, Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis bechsteinii, Myotis daubentonii, Myotis mystacinus, Myotis nattereri/emarginatus, Myotis capaccinii, Nyctalus leisleri, Pipistrellus nathusii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus hipposideros, Rhinolophus euryale, and possibly other medium-sized Rhinolophus species. The data collected highlight the high diversity of bat species and roosting sites in this part of the country. Notably, significant colonies of Mi. schreibersii, M. capaccinii, Rh. hipposideros, Rh. ferrumequinum, and mediumsized Rhinolophus were discovered. A combination of visual observations and mist netting was used. This study identified 17 sites showing current or previous signs of bat presence, with up to eight different species observed at one site and more than 3,140 bat specimens counted in a single season, shedding light on the most significant roosting sites and hibernacula in the area. Furthermore, the research presents data on the existing threats to bats and their habitats, along with recommendations for future conservation efforts.