The smiling face of a Lithuanian bat.
Photo: Dainius H. Pauza
UBC´s Commission on Environment visiting the bat reserves of Kaunas.
Photo: Esko Sorakunnas
The reserves are in the area of the former Kaunas fortress built at the end of the 19th century and partly rebuilt at the beginning of this century by the Russians. In the meantime, people have moved away from the fortress and today the humid and cool vaults and corridors provide a perfect place for hibernating bats. To ensure the safety of bats hibernating there, thereserves are fully closed from September to May. Naturally it is forbidden to destroy roosts and the habitats of protected bats, and penalties for such foolish action are in force.
The Lithuanian bat fauna includes over 10 species. The most abundant species are Myotis daubentoni, Pipistrellus nathusi, Plecotus auritus and Eptesicus serotinus. As in many parts of the world, Lithuanian bats have also declined in recent years. Although historical information in scarce, it is clear that Lithuanian bats are under threat and many species are today less common than formerly.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dainius Pauza, fax: +370 7 220 733.
