In August, Ioannis Ekklisiarchos, an MSc student in the department of Biology, University of Crete together with Dr Panagiotis Georgiakakis of the Natural History Museum, Crete, conducted an official study of our bat population. Six different species were found, five being rare and on the endangered list. We were aware of the existence of these species as a member of the UK Bat Society takes her holiday in Moutero every year and brings her detector with her but to have an official study carried out is excellent news.
Bats were given protection in a number of Decrees from 1969 to 1980. It is forbidden to catch, kill, sell or transport bats or own them. However, bat roosts are not protected unless they are within national parks. No attempt has been made to implement this legislation and the public are unaware of the need for bat conservation.
I do offer the use of a bat detector if you are interested in this subject.
Here is the list:
Rhinolophus blasii (Horseshoe) – rare
Pipistrellus pipstrellus – fairly rare
Pipistrellus nathusii – very rare
Pipistrellus kuhli – very common
Pipistrellus savii – rare
Eptesicus serotinus – rare
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