Funnel trap as a method for capture migrating bats in Pape, Latvia

Authors

  • Oskars Keišs Laboratory of Ornithology, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia
  • Donats Spalis Laboratory of Ornithology, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia
  • Gunārs Pētersons Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22364/eeb.19.02

Keywords:

bat migration, funnel Heligoland trap, Pipistrellus nathusii

Abstract

We constructed a large funnel trap on the coast of the Baltic Sea on dunes of Pape village, Latvia. The trap has been used during the peak autumn migration of bats in Latvia in August and September. During the period of 2014 – 2020, about 40 thousand bats were captured in the trap, mostly Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii, about 35 thousand individuals. In migration hotspots of bats, this is suggested method of trapping since large number of bats might be trapped without entangling bats in mist-nets.

The soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) was separated from the common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) only in 1999. During the current research the soprano pipistrelle is more common during autumn migration at Pape, Latvia than “common” pipistrelle – Pipistrellus pipistrellus. Photo: Viesturs Vintulis.

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Published

2021-10-18

How to Cite

Keišs, O., Spalis, D., & Pētersons, G. (2021). Funnel trap as a method for capture migrating bats in Pape, Latvia. Environmental and Experimental Biology, 19(1), 7–10. https://doi.org/10.22364/eeb.19.02