Bats in the orchard

Theodor Wimmer
Oct 2
1 min read

Orchards and meadow orchards exhibit characteristics of meadows and forests and, as open woodland landscapes, are ideal habitats for various bat species. Depending on the environment, at least 18 species use orchards as their habitat. As part of the project "Orchards in Austria – Promoting Diversity and Increasing Value Together" by the Austrian Environmental Association, in cooperation with the Coordination Center for Bat Conservation and Research (KFFÖ), bat surveys were conducted in selected orchards in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park. Bat detectors were installed at nine locations to identify the various species using acoustic signals. Eleven bat species were identified in the nature park. The most common species was the pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus).