Bat Fauna in Caves of Romania

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) A review of the research and protection on bat fauna in the Romanian caves has been conducted. A few relevant arguments are given as to why the most abundant bat colonies in the European Union are located in Romania. Of the 31 bat species in Romania, 28 use caves as shelters, especially in the hibernating period. Over 100,000 (up to 170,000) individuals were counted in two of the 70 caves that are considered shelters of major importance. A group of five important caves and also several smaller others, along with the natural habitats in the area, form a bat hot spot in south-western Romania.