New Genetically Confirmed Record of Myotis alcathoe (Chiroptera, Mammalia) from Ukraine

Myotis alcathoe is one of the iconic species among cryptic European bats, described only 20 years ago. Despite research efforts, there is still limited knowledge about its distribution and ecology, leading to its Data Deficient status on the IUCN Red List. Ukraine lies on the eastern border of the species' range, with only a few known records. Here, we document a new genetically confirmed record of M. alcathoe from the Central-Western part of Ukraine (Rivne Region, in “Dermansko-Ostrozkyi” National Nature Park). Eight individuals were mist-netted in late April 2023 near a mine entrance, alongside a few Myotis nattereri and Myotis bechsteinii. This record extends the known range of M. alcathoe 30–40 km to the northeast, marking the second genetically confirmed record of this species in Ukraine. The woodlands of the National Park area, characterized by wet old-growth oak and hornbeam forests, seem to be suitable summer habitats for this species. Continued bat surveys during the breeding season are necessary in the area to better understand its habitat preferences and distribution.