Most of them were Natūza bats (Pipistrellus nathusii), which is one of the most common bat species in Latvia and often settles in various buildings.
Bat inventory was performed by SIA “Dabas eksperti” on behalf of the Nature Protection Board. A representative of the company, bat researcher Gunārs Pētersons, says that what has been seen in Ķemeri National Park has not been observed in Latvia, because so far the largest known bat rearing colony, or the place where they unite in flocks for breeding, lists 200 to 400 female bats.
“In this case, it is not excluded that some of the departing animals were just juveniles. The explanation for the large number is the favorable conditions for this species – insect-rich water bodies in Ķemeri National Park. It should be noted that the hosts are sufficiently informed about the bat protection requirements and will not start the planned roof repair until the bats are gone, ”says Petersons.
Bats are the only mammals that have adapted to flying. So far, 16 species of bats have been found in Latvia, all of which are active animals that feed on insects at night. In summer, bats form colonies or rearing colonies in which they raise their young. At the end of May – June, bats give birth to their young, who come naked and blind in the world and are fed milk until they gain airworthiness and start hunting independently. During the growth of their young, females go hunting at night.
Depending on the bat species, the colony habitats can be located in different buildings and in tree cavities, for some species also in bird cages or even behind tree bark. The main reason for the formation of bat colonies is the retention of heat during the development of juveniles, so they are formed in very warm or even hot places, such as in the attic under the roof, in the outer wall of the building. Some species have only a few females in the spawning colony, others usually have between 10 and several dozen individuals, but some species have large colonies where several hundred bats can congregate.
All bat species in Latvia are specially protected, as well as internationally protected – they are included in the Bonn Convention of 23 June 1979 on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and in the Habitats Directive of the Council of Europe.
In order to find out more about the night flight – a bat and to promote public awareness of the need to preserve bats and their habitats, the Nature Education Center of the Nature Protection Board “Forest House” on Friday, July 10 at 22.00 invites to the Bat Night in Kemeri National Park.
The event includes a bat-watching excursion, during which participants will have the opportunity to hear representatives of several bat species living in the area, as well as to observe the rapid flight of bats in Kemeri National Park, under the guidance of experts with the help of an ultrasonic detector.
The number of participants in the event is limited. In order to receive precise instructions about the venue, it is obligatory to register in advance by phone 28359716.
Almost half of the 16 bat species living in Latvia can be found in the territory of Ķemeri National Park, therefore it requires human reverence and special attention. Therefore, the venue of the event, who will have applied in advance, will be announced shortly before the event.
