Community structure and activity levels of bats above waters in the Łężczok Reserve, southern Poland

Abstract. Species composition and activity of bats above large ponds (0.36–0.91 km2) and a river (5 m wide, 0.5 m deep), both surrounded by old oak stands, were studied during 2001–2003 in the Łężczok Reserve (Silesian Lowland, S Poland). Bats were captured using mist nets. The most abundant species above ponds was Myotis daubentonii (65.9%), while Nyctalus leisleri (38.9%), M. daubentonii (18.5%) and Nyctalus noctula (15.7%) were the most numerous above the river. Species diversity was higher above the river, whereas bat activity was more intensive above ponds. The results suggest that medium-sized watercourses and water bodies are important feeding habitats for many species. Chiroptera, species composition, foraging activity, riparian habitat