Bats are the second most numerous order of mammals and, at the same time, the least studied. Their legal protection status, both in Spain and across the European Union as a whole, reflects their importance.
Most European bats rely on forests to fulfil some of their vital functions. So-called cave-dwelling and crevice-dwelling bats use forest environments as feeding grounds and shelters, whilst strictly forest-dwelling bats also use forests as breeding and rearing grounds. For this reason, the conservation and future of these species depend closely on the forest management measures in place in a given forest. Forest management directly affects these mammals, which are highly vulnerable to human-induced changes to their habitat. Incorrectly implemented forestry practices have a negative impact on the forest’s structure (vertical and horizontal heterogeneity) and maturity, leading to the alteration of these habitats and, consequently, to a dramatic reduction in bat populations. Proper forest management not only benefits the conservation of these mammals and biodiversity in general, but also ensures sustainable forest production and contributes to the fight against climate change.
Duration: 1 November 2022 – 30 October 2023
Partner organisations
Caixabank, the Montemadrid Foundation, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge
Location
España.
Campo de Montiel (Ciudad Real) and Sierra del Rincón (Madrid)
Objective
To contribute to the understanding and conservation of bat populations in the Campo de Montiel (Ciudad Real and Albacete) and in the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve (Madrid) through measures to manage and improve forest habitats.
Further information about the project
Talk: ‘Discover the fascinating world of bats’
*This research has been partially funded by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, but does not reflect the views of the Ministry
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