39,131 bats of 11 species – this is the result of the 24th international hunger strike in the fortified area of Midzirzeck, Lubus province. It is one of the largest wintering grounds in Poland for these flying mammals. Scientists point to the adaptation of these animals to climate change.
The annual event took place last weekend and brought the second record result in its history. Since 1999, only 2020 saw the highest number of bats recorded, with 39,658. In January 2024, 36,653 cats of nine species were counted in the Międzyrzecki Fortified Zone.
Most of them, as every year, are big and red kittens. About 28,500 of the former and about 5,800 of the latter were counted. On the other hand, there are 13 Bechstein’s bats and 16 calf-eared bats.
The number of bats is normal
Once again, the main topic of the calculation was the impact of climate change on the environment and bats, which scientists have been investigating since 1999 at the MRU as part of an international program coordinated by the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław. Because of their life cycle, these mammals are considered a barometer of climate change.
– As of 2021, despite climate change, the number of bats in the MRU was stable, which shows the ability of these animals to adapt, as well as the effective protection of their habitat, which was established by the Regional Department of Environmental Protection in Sh. Gorzov Wilkopolski. The cellars are properly protected and for three years in a row we have not found any illegal visits by outsiders, said Dr Tomasz Kokurewicz from the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wroclaw.
He added that the proof of adaptation of bats to changing climate conditions is clearly visible in the behavior of cold-loving species, which hibernate in bunkers above the ground from a much warmer underground than before. This mainly applies to mops.
Bats were counted in the fortified area of Międzyrzecki
– It is possible that in the near future it will be necessary to think about better provision of these structures from the reach of people, so that they do not disturb the bats during the wintering period. Waking up by humans is very dangerous for these animals, because the energy used will not be enough until spring. However, for several years we have had a problem with underground drying, which is unfavorable for bats, – added Dr. Kokurevich.
More than 60 people entered the corridors and underground rooms, as well as the upper bunkers of the former German fortresses: scientists, doctoral students and students from Poland, the USA, Serbia, Bosnia, Georgia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Great Britain and Italy.
“Business card in the international arena”
Monitoring of the bat population at the MRU facilities, which has been carried out since 1999, is one of the elements of the conservation program of this invaluable wintering place. They are monitored by the Regional Directorate of Environmental Protection in Gorzów Vlkp – From the point of view of 25 years of research, it can be said that the effective protection of bats in one of the largest wintering grounds of the EU is our showcase on the international stage. – said the expert of Wroclaw University of Natural and Life Sciences. Poland is obliged to submit a report every six years to the European Commission on the state of the environment and valuable natural species protected within the Natura 2000 areas, one of which is the MRU complex, most of which also have the status of a reserve. have (Nietoperek Nature Reserve).
Moderate conditions for bats
The basements of the Nietoperek nature reserve and independent structures in the Nietoperek Natura 2000 area cover the central part of the front of the Odra castle and the Warta arch, commonly known as the Międzyrzecki Fortified Area (MRU). It is a system of corridors, tunnels and chambers (more than 30 kilometers long) and above-ground bunkers built by the Germans in the 1930s and during World War II.
Bats from the provinces of Lubuszki, Western Pomerania and Greater Poland, as well as from eastern Germany (Brandenburg and Mecklenburg) find winter shelter in the MRU. Some of them traveled 260 kilometers to reach MRU. Constant temperature and humidity provide favorable conditions for bats to hibernate there.
Main photo source: PAP
