Bat diversity in traditional orchards in Saxony, Germany (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae, Vespertilionidae)

Traditional orchards are considered to be valuable habitats for various species of mammals, among them many bats. We used acoustic survey and radio-tracking of three tree-dwelling bat species to investigate habitat use by bats in selected traditionally managed orchards in Saxony (Germany). Results include recordings of 15 species foraging, a high proportion of fruit trees in orchards used by nursery colonies of Myotis nattereri and Plecotus auritus, as well as considerable proportions of foraging areas of Myotis nattereri, Myotis bechsteinii, and Plecotus auritus within traditional orchards (35.4%, 26.1%, and 19.6%, respectively). Despite being strongly protected by nature conservation legislation, all orchards evaluated in this study are overaged and deteriorating due to abandonment or unfavourable usage and lack of maintenance. Therefore, as essential preservation measures we propose not only replacement plantings and reconnecting isolated tree groups but also the installation of bat boxes to sustain functioning roosts in the short term.