Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia
EEB
Hard copy: ISSN 1691–8088
On-line: ISSN 2255–9582
Env Exp Biol (2010) 8: 93–96
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Environmental and
Experimental
Biology

Env Exp Biol (2010) 8: 93–96

Brief Communication

The parti-coloured bat Vespertilio murinus in Rīga (Latvia) during autumn and winter

Jurģis Šuba1*, Digna Vietniece1, Gunārs Pētersons2
1Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Kronvalda Bulv. 4, Riga LV-1586, Latvia
2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Latvia University of Agriculture, K. Helmaņa 8, Jelgava LV-3004, Latvia
*Corresponding author, E-mail: jurgiss@imap.cc

Abstract

The parti-coloured bat is a migratory species for which long-distance movements have been documented from North-eastern to Central Europe. Records in autumn and winter suggest that some populations in northern Europe may be sedentary. During the mating period, male parti-coloured bats can be observed in cities, emitting loud and audible advertisement calls near high buildings. The aim of this study was to determine whether parti-coloured bats currently mate and hibernate in Rīga, the capital of Latvia. High buildings in 13 districts were visited to locate displaying males. Display activity was studied at one site by means of acoustic recording. Displaying males were observed in two districts from late September until early November. Records of parti-coloured bats in December and April confirm that this species hibernates in Rīga. The parti-coloured bats most likely arrive from distant locations, since this species is considered to be rare in Rīga during the breeding period.

Key words: display activity, parti-coloured bat, Rīga, Vespertilio murinus.

 
Env Exp Biol (2010) 8: 93–96
 DOI: http://doi.org/10.22364/eeb
EEB

Editor-in-Chief
Prof. Gederts Ievinsh
Published by
University of Latvia

 
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