Since 2023, South Tyrol has been carrying out a joint monitoring project conducted in cooperation with the Nature Office, Eurac Research and the South Tyrol Museum of Nature. The project aims to survey and study the animal species protected under the Habitats Directive. Its objective is to document their occurrence and habitats in a systematic way, thereby creating a solid foundation for conservation measures and for managing the Natura 2000 sites. As part of the project, all bat species (Chiroptera) present in the region are being examined, among others. Bats are important, yet often overlooked, components of the local fauna: their nocturnal lifestyle and the diversity of environments they occupy, from urban structures such as church attics and bunkers to structurally complex forests and alpine areas, pose particular challenges for research and conservation. The monitoring effort brings together the long-standing expertise of various partner institutions and combines scientific methods with practical conservation measures. In addition to the ongoing collection of long-term data, new research questions have been addressed, including the use of tree roosts in chestnut orchards and the diet of a particular native species. The presentation will outline the background of the project, provide engaging insights into the world of bats, describe the survey methods and present the first results. In doing so, it highlights the importance of collaboration and long-term observation for revealing the hidden lives of bats, understanding changes over time, and recognizing the role these species play in South Tyrol’s biodiversity.
Hanna Steigleder works at Eurac Research’s Institute for Alpine Environment. She studies the bats and dormice of South Tyrol to expand knowledge on the distribution and ecology of these protected species.
The event can also be followed online on the Museum’s YouTube channel.
