Research on Correlation Between Bats and Mosquitoes Project Co-Funded by the European Union and National Funds of the Participating Countries

Deliverable No 3.2.3.:

Research on Correlation

between Bats and Mosquitoes

In the frame of project:

“Sustainable bats conservation in the cross border area”

1846 BatsConserve

Department of Forestry and Natural Environment

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki 2017

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

*The contents of this publication are sole responsibility of project partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union, the participating countries, the Managing Authority and the Joint Secretariat.

AREA OF RESEARCH

GENERAL INFORMATION

Nestos River is one of the most important rivers in Greece. Its sources located in Rila Mountain in southern Bulgaria between the mountain ranges of Aigas and Rhodopi. Its total length is 243 km of which about 130 km flow through Greece. Climatic conditions, the basin of the area and the presence of water have created suitable conditions for the development of different species of biotopes with significant biodiversity, hosting numerous plant and fauna species.

The area of research concerns the Nestos valley, which covers over a million acres and is protected by the European Natura 2000 Network, as a Special Protection Area (SPA) with the site code “GR1140008”, concerning central Rhodope mountain range. In addition, the research area includes the protected site of Nestos river, designated as a Special Area of Conservation with the code “GR1120004” as well as Aesthetic Forest with the code “GR1120005”. The organizations that are responsible for the site management are the Forest Service of Xanthi and the body management of Rhodope mountain range, while 39.000 acres of its total area are Wildlife Refuge (Aetorachi/Paranesti), 22.000 acres consists of the forest complex of Karyofyto, 9.030 acres are also Wildlife Refuge (Tsanaktere/Karyofyto), 5.500 acres of the total area were designated as a Natural Monument (Virgin Forest of Central Rhodope), 5.500 acres are Biogenetic Reserve (European Council) and 5.690 acres of its total area are designated as a Special Protection Area with the site code “GR1140008”. The northern part of the region is a virgin forest of national and European importance, while the southeast part is a forest with Fagus sylvatica (Beech), Abies alba (White Fir) and Picea abies (Spruce). The area is extremely important for large mammals and predators and is the only place in Greece for endangered species like Tetrao urogallus (capercaillie) and perhaps the Tetrastes bonasia (hazel grouse). Numerous bats such as Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Nyctalus noctula, Tadarida teniotis and various species of Myotis and Pipistrellus have also been recorded. In addition, there is a wide variety of woodpeckers, while the very rare Lynx lynx probably lives in the area. Reptiles of the area include Vipera Berus (Astritis) which is also rare in Greece. The wildlife is seriously threatened by hunting and poaching, although hunting is officially forbidden in most places of the wider area. At the same time, there is intense forest exploitation and intensive grazing.

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

MARONIA

Maronia is a village of Rhodopi Prefecture, located 29 km southeast of Komotini. It is located near the homonymous ancient city and belongs to the municipality of Maronia-Sapes which is based in Sapes. The most important ecological features of the area include the Maronia-Makris rift and the Maronia Cave. The cave is approximately 350m long and 15-20m wide while being protected as an archaeological site. It is closed to the public and is only available for scientific research. Inside the cave there are stalactites and stalagmites as well as rare fauna, concerning 10 out of the 300 European bat species. Archaeological excavations have revealed ceramic objects indicating that the cave was inhabited during the Neolithic period. The phosphorus-rich droppings of bats (bat guano) were the object of a commercial transaction by the inhabitants of the wider region until the WWII. In the area of Marmaritsa the rift (Maronia-Makris Rift) has a direction of 110-120 ° and a slope of 60-70 ° southwest, a visible elevation of 5m and the rest is submerged in the sea. The sampling sites selected in the wider region had slopes of 5-15% and 35-40%, with west and south to southwest exposure (in only one occasion the exposure was W-NW) with sandy to loamy and shallow to moderately deep and cool soils (in only one occasion soil was very shallow and dry). The subsoil vegetation consisted of plant species such as Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromus sterilis, Cichorium intybus, Dactylis glomerata, Poa sp., Rosa canina, Rubus canescens, Erica manipuliflora, E. arborea, Platango sp. Hypericum triquetrifolium, Urtica dioica etc. Some of the main forest species were Quercus coccifera, Vitex agnus-castus, Cercis siliquastrum, Quercus ilex, Platanus orientalis, Phillyrea latifolia, Populus nigra, Paliurus spina-cristi, Arbutus andrachne, Fraxinus angustifolia.

ILIOPETRA (KOJA ORMAN)

Iliopetra is a village in the municipality of Topiros and is administratively part of the prefecture of Xanthi. Geographically, it is in the wider area of the valley that forms the Nestos Delta and within walking distance (3 km) of the Koja Orman Forest or Great Forest which is a natural landscape of invaluable ecological value and beauty. It was once one of the largest riparian forests of Europe, since the "50s there had been recorded 74,000 acres. However, in 1946, 54,000 acres were out of it and given to farmers for cultivation, leaving a small part, which the Forest Service of Kavala is trying to preserve by fencing perimeter stretches of land and prohibiting any human activity. The vegetation is dominated by willows, alders, oaks, elms, factions and creepers (hops, ivy, etc.), while there are several abandoned plantations of Populus xcanadensis and Robinia pseudoacacia. Several species of wildlife are recording such as wild boars, jackals, foxes, deers, hares, badgers and the only wild pheasant population of kolchikos pheasant in Europe. In addition, from February

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

to April, as well as summer period, Koja Orman is an ideal pasture for bees. The Forest Service in an area of about 15,000 acres cultivated poplars, targeting both in timber production and in the regeneration of the natural riparian forest. Concerning main forest species, the most common are Populus alba, Populus nigra, Melia azedarach (It is known as the most valuable wood in Europe and is the subject of global forest and botanical interest), Ulmus minor, Quercus robur, Acer tataricum, Acer campestre, Alnus glutinosa, Clematis vitalba.

THESAURUS DAM

The Thesaurus Dam, on the river Nestos, has been built 13 kilometers near Paranesti Drama and at an altitude of 320 m. It is a tall dam (totaling 175 meters-one of Europe's tallest) with impenetrable core of clay and with a useful capacity of 656 million cubic meters of water. The dam started working in 1997 by PPC (Public Power Corporation). It is a multi-purpose pumping-dredging project that meets the irrigation needs of neighboring areas while providing them with flood protection. In addition to reusing the water released from the Treasure Dam, it is possible to pump water from the artificial lake of Platanovrisi to that of the Treasure, a process usually repeated every 24 hours during the night, using excess load (demand). In addition, an important fact is the achievement of a transnational agreement with the Bulgarian side on the effective functioning of the dam system. With this agreement, the Bulgarian side undertook to allow at least 29% of the river water to drain into Greek territory. As a result of the above dam (Thesaurus) is the creation of an artificial lake (Thesaurus Lake), which is monitored by the Special Secretariat of Water - National Water Monitoring Network under water code GR001200030050H and is protected, as well as its wider area of the Nestos Valley by the Natura 2000 network, under the code “GR1140008”. Αs regards flora at the sampling sites, main forest species were Ostrya carpinifolia, Carpinus betulus, Vitex agnus-castus, Paliurus spina-christi, Quercus coccifera, Platanus orientalis, Pinus brutia, Salix sp. etc., as well as other species of the floristic composition like Bromus sterilis, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Geranium sp. Urtica dioica, Euphorbia sp. Galium heldreichi, Dactylis glomerata, Saponaria officinalis etc.

STAUROUPOLI

Stauroupoli is the ancient city of Dios. It has been named since 1920 and is located 20 km away from Xanthi, at an altidute of 130 m. It is the largest and most important village in the Nestos Valley. The wider area of the Strait of Nestos, in which Stavroupoli geographically belongs, has been designated as Special Protection Area (SPA) under the code “GR1120004” and as aesthetic forest under the code “GR1120005”. It is a broad undisturbed natural area of great ecological value which consists of many types of ecosystems, while it is an extremely important area for predatory

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

birds. From a chloride point of view, subsoil vegetation consists of plant species such as Brachypodium sylvaticum, Cichorium intybus, Aristolochia sp, Dactylis glomerata, Verbascum sp., Galium sp, Euphorbia sp etc., while some of the main forest species are Salix alba, S. fragilis, S. ampexicaulis, S. Elaeagnos, Alnus glutinosa, Erica arborea, Populus alba, Populus nigra, Junglans regia, Paliurus spina-christi, Morus alba, Rubus sp., Ulmus minor, Sambucus nigra. Equally important is the presence of the 4 species of reptile’s region and 2 amphibian species of Annex ΙΙ. There have also been recorded 7 species of reptiles. In addition, it includes impressive geomorphological formations, as it belongs to the Rhodope Mass, as well as a technological breakthrough: crossing the railway line through tunnels and tunnels without substantially affecting the landscape. It is offered for recreation, sports, tourism, education, research, ecotourism.

DRAGON’S NEST

The cave called "Nest of the Dragon" is in the wider area of the village Potamoi, which is built on the left bank of the Despati River and belongs to the municipality of Kato Nevrokopi, Drama. Access to the cave is achieved along a path along the eastern bank of the Despati River, in an area of exceptional natural beauty. From a geological point of view, it belongs to the section of Sidironero (Rhodope’s Mass). The cave has a wide entrance and a form of elongated karstic pipeline with intervals of extension. From a geological, anthropological and archaeological point of view has a primary importance. The stone decoration in the first parts of the cave is poor. The first chamber of the cave is relatively spacious, with enough natural light, and is characterized by smooth flooring and terrain consisting mainly of sandy and clayey deposits. Surface finds are of historical times, mainly shells of utilitarian ceramics and transport and storage vessels. This is followed by a small room where a cone of limestone pieces is formed. Anthropological findings are being traced in the next two sites. The cave, as well as Lake Thesaurus, belongs to the same Protected Area (GR1140008) and is a refuge for many species of bats. As regards the composition of the vegetation at the sampling sites, this consists mainly of evergreen broadleaved shrubs like Quercus coccifera, Pinus brutia clusters, thermofilic mixed forests dominated by species like Ostrya carpinifolia and Carpinus betulus as well as riparian species like Salix sp., Vitex agnus- castus και Alnus glutinosa.

TAXIARCHIS

The University Forest in Taxiarchis, in Chalkidiki, is a publicly owned forest estate. It covers an area of 58,000 hectares on the southern and southwestern slopes of mount Cholomontas (at an altitude of 1,049.86 to 3,822.17 feet). Broad-leaved species that grow in Greece prevail in the area

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

of the university forest. They are regenerated naturally and, when weather conditions are adverse, they are artificially regenerated.

Mount Cholomontas was granted protection under an EU order, mainly with regards to the predator birds living in the forest; there are many wildlife shelters in the forest, where any form of hunting is forbidden. Implementing a different policy for sustainable forestry development, focusing on forest preservation and, at the same time, trying to meet human needs, the University Forest Administration and Management Fund has spent money on the following infrastructure:

• A large forest road network (Α-Β-C category),

• A firebreak and water intake network, observation posts and a state-of-the-art remote sensing system for additional firebreak protection,

• Two shelters for wildlife, covering an area of 3,000 hectares,

• A large number of experimental fields, established in collaboration with the Faculty of Forestry and Natural Environment,

Projects to promote tourism in the area, such as constructing trails and greenways, an artificial lake, stands, kiosks, as well as embellishing chapels, etc. There are mainly deciduous forests in this area, which is divided in three zones: Quercetalia ilicis, Quercetalia pubescentis and Fagetalia. These zones are formed based on flora composition, altitude, petrology, soil conditions, the exposure and incline of the slopes, air temperature and rainfall. The area is mostly covered with broad-leaved oak trees. The flora of the area also includes beech trees, black pine trees, brutian pine trees and Aleppo pine trees, as well as other ligneous plants, such as Quercus ilex, Erica arborea (a plant of beekeeping interest), arbutus trees, fraxinus trees, plane trees, willow trees, etc. Fir trees are very important to the region; they are planted by villagers in order to sell them as Christmas trees. The fauna is rich, with the dominant species being the wild boar. The wider area of mount Cholomonontas was resignated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC-GR1270001) due to its biodiversity, consisting of rich fauna and especially mammals such as bats (Myotis blythii, Rhinolophus blasii και Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). In addition, it was resignated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the code “GR1270012”, due to its numerous predators such as Falco peregrinus brookei, Aquila chrysaetos, Bubo bubo, Circaetus gallicus.

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MATERIALS

The materials used for the field study are as follows:

• Mosquito traps “CDC light traps” using two types of batteries (4x1.5V and 6V)

• Dry Ice – Almost 3 kg in every trap at each sampling

• Plastic bottles to maintain dry ice

• D Batteries (1.5V, D Cells) and rechargeable 6V batteries

• Two types of Bat Detectors: a compact ultrasonic recorder (Song Meter SM4BAT-FS) and a portable lightweight bat detector (Batscanner by Elecon)

• Resealable bags of polyethylene for sampling transfers

• Printed data forms for recording adjacent vegetation

• 4x4 vehicle

• GPS device (Garmin Oregon)

• DSLR camera (Nikkon D90)

METHODOLOGY

The "CDC light traps" used for the research were placed at locations selected by the Contractor in accordance with the specifications of the "Deliverable 1" (Map 1). The final selection of placements was made after autopsies and was based on the following criteria:

• Distance from recorded bats colonies (0, 2,5, 5 and 10 km)

• Suitable habitats for both bats and mosquitoes (slopes in rivers and streams, riparian forest gaps, swamps, wetlands, bridges, etc.)

• Accessibility

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

Map 1. Μap of the locations where the CDC-light traps were placed

The placement of the traps, depending on the area and accessibility of the selected locations, took place at the time of the day where the mosquito activity was highest (1st peak), ie from 6pm to sunset (about 9pm). Recovery of traps were placed in each sample was made in the morning of the next day, where the second largest activity mosquito observed (2nd peak). At the same time, two types of bat recorders (compact and portable bat detector) were used at locations selected by the Contractor in order to certify the coexistence of bats and mosquitoes in the research area. The collected samples were kept in freezing conditions (first on dry ice and then in a freezer) and transferred briefly to laboratory conditions for identification (genera level) and counting. The

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

codification that was used for sampling concerned the wider area, distance from the recorded colony (km), and sampling number (ie S10B: S-Stauroupoli, 10 km from the colony, Β-second sampling). In more detail, the steps involving the procedure that followed for the installation of the traps were:

1. Purchase of 12 kg dry ice per day, an amount enough for the four (4) traps 2. Transition to the selected sampling points in the research areas, at locations that are corresponding at specific distances from the recorded bat colonies 3. Assembling and placing traps, as wall as bottles of dry ice during the afternoon when highest activity of mosquitoes is observed (6-9pm, 1st peak), usually on tree branches over 1.5 m high. 4. Enter coordinates of the mounting points on a GPS device 5. Recording of adjacent vegetation and other ecological features 6. Photo shooting of the installed traps and the wider location 7. Collection of the traps in the next morning when the second largest mosquito activity is observed (2nd peak) 8. Place the collected samples in re-sealed polyethylene bags and store them under freezing conditions

9. Transfer of collected specimens to laboratory conditions, identification (genera level) and counting

At this point, it is worth noting that was installed a bat recording device (Pictures 1 and 2) at selected locations (by the Contractor), in order to certify the coexistence of bats and mosquitos in the research areas.

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

Pictures 1 and 2: Installing bat detector. On the right picture, the device was placed near to the trap (Stavroupoli area, 5km from the recorded colony)

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

RESULTS

RESULTS AT MOSQUITO SAMPLING SITES

Picture 4 and 5: Placed mosquito traps «CDC light trap». The left picture shows the container with the dry ice trap above, while on the right trapping mosquitoes are visible inside.

Mosquitoes were sampled, as described above, using four “CDC light traps” in combination with the placement of dry ice containers above the traps (Pictures 4 and 5). The results of sampling in each region and the distances from the recorded bats colonies are listed in the table below (Table 1).

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

Table 1: Results of mosquito sampling in the locations and areas, respectively

MOSQUITO GENERA (POPULATION) SAMPLING AREAS/LOCATIONS DATES CODIFICATION* TOTAL Aedes Culex Anopheles Culiseta

MOA - 7 - - 7

M2.5A 36 8 1 - 45 Α MARONIA 02/07/2019

M5A 20 71 2 - 93

M10A 3 30 1 - 34

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

MOSQUITO GENERA (POPULATION)

SAMPLING AREAS/LOCATIONS DATES CODIFICATION* TOTAL Aedes Culex Anopheles Culiseta

H0A 32 112 2 2 148

H2.5A 41 60 - 1 102 ILIOPETRA (KOJA 03/07/2019

ORMAN) H5A 167 201 - - 368

H10A 43 24 1 3 71

S0A 9 5 - - 14

S2.5A 76 7 - - 83 STAUROUPOLI 04/07/2019

S5A 78 3 3 - 84

S10A 13 1 2 - 16

Τ0Α 64 34 - - 98

Τ2.5A 26 20 1 - 47 THEASURUS DAM 05/07/2019

Τ5Α 52 31 2 2 87

Τ10Α 6 2 - - 8

D0A 7 4 - - 11

D2.5A 58 22 4 2 86 DRAGON’S NEST 06/07/2019

D5A 16 2 - - 18

D10A 10 3 1 - 14

M0B 61 - - 7 68

M2.5B 9 13 - - 22 MARONIA 22/07/2019

B M5B 233 22 - - 255

M10B 198 30 - - 228

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

23/07/2019 H0B 220 257 - - 477

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

MOSQUITO GENERA (POPULATION) SAMPLING AREAS/LOCATIONS DATES CODIFICATION* TOTAL Aedes Culex Anopheles Culiseta

H2.5B 541 142 - - 683

ILIOPETRA (KOJA H5B 200 109 - - 309

ORMAN)

H10B 29 25 - - 54

S0B 9 3 - - 12

S2.5B 59 2 - - 61 STAUROUPOLI 24/07/2019 S5B 138 10 3 3 154

S10B 6 3 - - 9

Τ0Β 102 24 - - 126

Τ2.5Β 63 14 2 - 79 THEASURUS DAM 25/07/2019

Τ5Β 45 17 1 2 65

Τ10Β 18 3 - - 21

D0B 28 13 1 - 42

D2.5B 54 35 - 2 91 DRAGON’S NEST 26/07/2019

D5B 6 2 - - 8

D10B 4 5 1 - 10

M0C 9 16 2 5 32

M2.5C 23 28 - - 51 MARONIA 04/08/2019 M5C 98 74 - - 172 Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

C M10C 45 129 - 2 176

H0C 117 183 51 - 351 ILIOPETRA (KOJA 05/08/2019 ORMAN) H2.5C 306 233 6 - 545

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

MOSQUITO GENERA (POPULATION)

SAMPLING AREAS/LOCATIONS DATES CODIFICATION* TOTAL Aedes Culex Anopheles Culiseta

H5C 206 356 - 3 565

H10C 71 171 4 - 246

S0C 10 11 - - 21

S2.5C 73 - - - 73 STAUROUPOLI 06/08/2019

S5C 36 3 1 - 40

S10C 13 2 1 - 16

T0C 60 52 2 - 114

T2.5C 52 21 - - 73 THEASURUS DAM 07/08/2019

T5C 85 6 - - 91

T10C 8 4 1 - 13

D0C 22 14 1 1 38

D2.5C 24 28 - - 52 DRAGON’S NEST 08/08/2019

D5C 11 3 - - 14

D10C 12 11 - - 23

M0D 14 8 - - 22

M2.5D 5 11 1 - 17 MARONIA 10/08/2019

M5D 41 27 2 - 70

D M10D 114 71 3 - 188

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H0D 129 259 19 2 403

ILIOPETRA (KOJA 11/08/2019 H2.5D 232 92 3 4 331 ORMAN)

H5D 196 118 9 6 329

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

MOSQUITO GENERA (POPULATION) SAMPLING AREAS/LOCATIONS DATES CODIFICATION* TOTAL Aedes Culex Anopheles Culiseta

H10D 54 84 - - 138

S0D 1 4 1 - 6

S2.5D 311 7 1 - 319 STAUROUPOLI 12/08/2019

S5D 307 15 2 4 328

S10D 20 3 - 2 25

T0D 89 59 1 3 152

T2.5D 40 21 - - 61 THEASURUS DAM 13/08/2019

T5D 104 74 4 1 183

T10D 20 4 1 - 25

D0D 6 1 - - 7

D2.5D 67 54 - - 121 DRAGON’S NEST 14/08/2019

D5D 8 13 - 1 22

D10D 5 3 - - 8

* Explanation: The codification used for sampling concerned the wider area (first capital letter), the distance from the recorded colony (number in km) and the number of sampling (second capital letter).

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

BAT DETECTION RESULTS

As mentioned above, during the mosquito sampling, a bat detector was placed at selected locations and at different distances from the recorded bat colonies. Its detailed results are listed in the Annex. The following table (Table 2) lists the species that were detected in each region.

Table 2: Bat species that were recorded by the bat detector (Song Meter SM4BAT-FS) in the respective regions

α/α Detected Species Maronia Iliopetra (Koja Stauroupoli Orman)

1 Eptesicus serotinus ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 Hypsugo savii ✓ ✓

3 Miniopterus schreibersii ✓ ✓

4 Myotis brandtii ✓ ✓

5 Myotis daubentonii ✓ ✓ ✓ 6 Myotis emarginatus ✓

7 Nyctalus lasiopterus ✓ 8 Nyctalus leisleri ✓ ✓

9 Nyctalus noctula ✓ ✓ ✓ 10 Pipistrellus kuhlii ✓ ✓

11 Pipistrellus nathushii ✓ ✓ ✓ 12 Pipistrellus pipistrellus ✓ ✓ ✓

13 Pipistrellus pygmaeus ✓ ✓ ✓ 14 Plecotus auritus ✓ ✓

15 Rhinolophus ferrumequinum ✓ 16 Rhinolophus hipposideros ✓

17 Tadarida teniotis ✓ 18 Vespertilio murinus ✓

TOTAL 10 16 10 GENERAL TOTAL OF SPECIES 18

In conclusion, the bat detector recorded a total of 18 bat species, 16 of which were recorded in the Great Forest or Kotza Orman (Heliopetra), while 10 species were recorded in the rest. In addition, as mentioned above, a portable bat recorder was used, the frequencies of which are recorded in the respective areas, and the possible species corresponding to these frequencies are listed in the following table (Table 3).

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

Table 3: Possible bat species that were detected by a portable bat recorder

Recorded

Locations frequencies (kHz) Possible bat species*

35 Plecotus auritus

42-46 Myotis brandtii ή Pipistrellus pipistrellus ή Miniopterus schreibersii ή Pipistrellus nathushii κ.α.

44 Myotis brandtii ή Myotis nattererii

Maronia 51 Myotis daubentonii ή Pipistrellus pipistrellus ή Miniopterus schreibersii ή Pipistrellus pygmaeus

55 Pipistrellus pygmaeus

38-39 Pipistrellus nathusii

47-48 Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Iliopetra (Koja 25 Nyctalus leisleri Orman)

47 Pipistrellus nathusii ή Myotis brandtii

Stauroupoli 50 Myotis daubentonii ή Pipistrellus pipistrellus

46 Myotis daubentonii ή Pipistrellus pipistrellus

55 Pipistrellus pygmaeus

79 -

54 Myotis brandtii ή Pipistrellus pygmaeus ή Miniopterus schreibersii

49 Pipistrellus pipistrellus ή Myotis daubentonii ή Pipistrellus pygmaeus

51 Pipistrellus pipistrellus ή Miniopterus schreibersii ή Pipistrellus pygmaeus ή Myotis daubentonii

43 Pipistrellus pipistrellus ή Pipistrellus nathushii

48-50 Pipistrellus pipistrellus ή Myotis daubentonii

52-53 Pipistrellus pipistrellus ή Pipistrellus pygmaeus ή Miniopterus schreibersii

* Explanation: The correlation of frequencies recorded with species identification is based on the spectrum of frequencies they emit during hunting, as the recording was done after sunset.

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RESULTS OF ARTIFICIAL NESTING AND ITS CORELLATION WITH LOCAL FLORA

On-the-field observations concerning the effects of artificial nesting, which took place between July and the second half of August, did not record bats. The most likely cause, according to other researches, is the short time elapsed since placement and therefore, so for the time being, no correlation can be found between artificial nesting and local flora. Furthermore, as Ciechanowski mentions in his research (2005), inhibitor for utilization of boxes by bats may be the differences concerning microclimate between plant communities, high humidity in deciduous forests, as well as the existence of many natural roosting points (tree holes, crevices, loose bark etc.).

RESULTS OF CORRELATION ANALYSIS BETWEEN MOSQUITO POPULATIONS AND DISTANCES FROM THE RECORDED BAT COLONIES

A great deal of scientific research has been conducted on bats, their living habitats, their ecological requirements and the factors that affect their viability. Τhe echolocation used by bats during hunting as well as the ecological factors affecting their movement to feeding areas have been analyzed using several models. Marques et al. (2004) mentioned that Tadarida teniotis can cover distances of 30 km/day to feed, but the usual average is 5 km from the colony as long flights require large energy reserves and are likely to occur in rare cases. Eptesicus serotinus can exceed 41 km in one day but covers an average of 8 km daily between colonies and hunting areas (Robinson et al. 2009). The effect on food abundance on bat activity in riparian habitats was confirmed by Fukui (2006), who experimentally manipulated the flux of emergent adult aquatic insects from a forest stream. In addition, the presence of surface water (streams, swamps, etc.) in the immediate vicinity is also an important factor in the activity of bats, as well as land use and soil productivity. In terms of this, some of the most important environmental factors in bats' habitats are:

• Air temperature

• The wind speed (in some species such as Myotis daubentonii and Pipistrellus nathusii has a positive effect)

• Altitude

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• Precipitation, which is negative factor for hunting in some species such as N. noctula and E. serotinus

• Fog and cloud cover

• The abundance of prey

• The topographic terrain

• Aquatic vegetation, and water pollution such as eutrophication, mainly on species that hunt over the surface of the water

• The distance from residential areas and the existence of artificial lighting

The purpose of the present study was to attempt to correlate mosquito populations and distance from recorded bat colonies to the wider area of the Nestos valley. Mosquitoes were sampled at sites where bats were identified with bat detectors and all of them were habitats suitable for predation such as mosquitoes (adjacent riverbeds, standing waters etc.). In addition, most of the sampling sites had similar environmental conditions except for some sites selected at over longer distances from the recorded bat colonies (10 km) mainly due to accessibility and ecological parameters.

Regarding the statistical correlation of the results of the sampling, the Kolmogorov – Smirnov and Shapiro – Wilk distribution regularity tests showed extremely significant deviation from the normality with respect to the variables under investigation (Distance from the Bat Colonies and Population of Mosquitoes). Therefore, based on Pearson's linear correlation coefficient, which expresses the direction of incorporation of the values of the two variables and the degree of their linear relationship, it was found that the conditions for using parametric tests were not met. Therefore, in the present case, the examination of the direction of regression of the values of the two variables and the degree of their linear relationship were performed on the basis of the Spearman correlation coefficient ρ. These statistical analyzes were performed with two-sided tests at significance level α = 0.05.

In the case of selecting all sampling sites at all distances (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 km), the variation of the average number of mosquitoes, depending on the distance, is shown in the following Graph 1.

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

ION (AVG) ION

MOSQUITO POPULAT MOSQUITO

DISTANCE (KM)

Graph 1: Alteration in the number of mosquitoes (avg) depending on the distance at 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 km

No statistically significant correlation was found between the distance and the average mosquito count (p (3) = - 0,200, p = 0,800).

In the case of elimination of the last sampling site of 10 km, the change in the average number of mosquitoes, according to distance, is shown in the following Graph 2.

Graph 2: Alteration in the number of mosquitoes (avg) depending on the distance at 0, 2.5, and 5 km. Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

A statistically significant positive and strong correlation was found between distance and average mosquito count (p (2) = 1,000, p <0.01).

In conclusion, the existence of a strong statistical correlation between mosquito populations and specific distances from recorded bat colonies (0, 2.5 and 5 km) indicates, potentially and to some extent, the effectiveness of mosquito hunting by bats. Furthermore, as stated in the relevant literature, many bat species cover daily distances of less than 10 kilometers. In addition, as mentioned above, there was a variation in the ecological parameters of the selected sampling points in some locations, especially in those with long distances from the recorded colonies (10 km), due to the accessibility and non-compliance of environmental criteria with regard to coexistence of bats and mosquitos.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Boonman, Arjan & Boonman, Martijn & Bretschneider, Frank & A. van de Grind, Wim. (1998). Prey detection in trawling insectivorous bats: Duckweed affects hunting behaviour in Daubenton's bat, Myotis daubentonii. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 44. 99-107. 10.1007/s002650050521.

Ciechanowski, Mateusz. (2005). Utilization of artificial shelters by bats (Chiroptera) in three different types of forest. Folia Zoologica. 54. 31-37.

Ciechanowski, Mateusz & Zając, T & Biłas, A & Dunajski, R. (2007). Spatiotemporal variation in activity of bat species differing in hunting tactics: Effects of weather, moonlight, food abundance, and structural clutter. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 85. 1249-1263. 10.1139/Z08- 025.

Fukui, D., Murakami, M., Nakano, S., and Aoi, T. 2006. Effect of emergent aquatic insects on bat foraging in a riparian forest. J. Anim. Ecol. 75: 1252-1258. Doi:10.1111/j.1365- 2656.2006.01146.x.PMID:17032357.

Marques, João & Rainho, Ana & Carapuço, A. Mafalda & Oliveira, Paulo & M. Palmeirim, Jorge. (2004). Foraging Behaviour and Habitat use by the European Free-Tailed Bat Tadarida teniotis. Acta Chiropterologica. 6. 99-110. 10.3161/1508110042176680.

Robinson, Mark & E. Stebbings, R. (1997). Home range and habitat use by the serotine bat, Eptesicus serotinus, in England. Journal of Zoology. 243. 117 - 136. 10.1111/j.1469- 7998.1997.tb05759.x.

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

Schnitzler, Hans & Kalko, Elisabeth & Miller, Lee & Surlykke, Annemarie. (1987). The echolocation and hunting behavior of the bat, Pipistrellus kuhli. Journal of comparative physiology. A, Sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology. 161. 267-74. 10.1007/BF00615246.

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

PHOTOGRAPHIC ANNEX

Figures I και ΙΙ: "CDC light traps" placed in locations adjacent to the recorded bats colonies

Figures III και IV: Mounted traps of different types. On the left a trap that uses "D" batteries and on the right a trap using a battery 6V Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

Figures V, VI, VII, VIII, IX: General overview of the selected sampling points Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries

Figures X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV. Artificial nesting

Deliverable 3.2.3. Research on Correlation between Bats and Mosquitoes Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries