Bat paradise in Nürtingen: New habitats for flying mammals!

Bat paradise in Nürtingen: New habitats for flying mammals!

A special mowing sequence will be implemented at the forest cemetery in Nürtingen in the future, which aims to improve the food supply for bats in the region. This measure could lead to a significant transfer of species in a few years, benefiting both bats and biodiversity as a whole. The article on these developments was published by Sylvia Gierlichs in the Nürtinger Zeitung. At dusk, when many bats become active, you can observe their impressive flight maneuvers.

There are currently three different species of bats living in the forest cemetery. Their hunting territory extends over the area between Gerhart-Hauptmann-Straße and Achalmstraße. There are already two wooden houses in this area and further large construction projects are being planned. The measures are intended not only to benefit the bats, but also to strengthen the ecological balance.

The importance of bats

Bats belong to the order Chiroptera, which also includes flying foxes. In total, there are around 1270 species of bats worldwide, which corresponds to 19% of all known mammal species. These fascinating creatures are the only mammals that can actively fly and are found on all continents except Antarctica. While there are 54 species of bats in Europe, there are more than 30 in Central Europe.

• Die größte Fledermausart ist die Australische Gespenstfledermaus (Macroderma gigas), die bis zu 200 Gramm wiegt.
• Die kleinste Art, die Schweinsnasenfledermaus (Craseonycteris thonglongyai), bringt es auf nur 2 Gramm.

Bats have thick, often silky fur that usually appears in shades of gray, brown or black. Their flight membrane extends from the wrist to the ankle and contains important muscle strands and blood vessels. Most of these species feed primarily on insects, although some feed on fruit or even blood.

The nocturnal monsters use echolocation to perceive their surroundings and catch prey. This ability tolerates no competition and is crucial to their survival. Bats hibernate and need sheltered quarters to survive the cold season. Their reproductive rate is low and most species give birth once a year.

Protection and threats

Despite their importance, bats are threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Many species are listed in the red lists or even listed as extinct. The IUCN points out that bats are carriers of various viruses, including rabies and coronaviruses, which are transmissible to humans. Protective measures such as the creation of bat roosts and consideration in construction projects are urgently needed.

The initiatives in Nürtingen are not only a step towards a more sustainable future for bat species, but also an important sign for the preservation of biodiversity as a whole. The implementation of the mowing sequence could make an essential contribution to strengthening the local wildlife in the coming years.

Further information can be found at the Nürtinger Zeitung here and on the Wikipedia page bats.