Non-invasive survey techniques uncover the coexistence of African and European bats on the island of Lampedusa

Abstract

Islands are exceptional field laboratories for studying biogeographical patterns, particularly those lying on the edge of neighbouring bioregions. Among island vertebrates, bats have often been underrepresented in research due to survey challenges and difficulties in assessing their occurrence. Many bat species are a priority for conservation, making it even more essential to understand their distributions and ecological needs. This study was conducted on the small Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, located at the intersection of the African and European bioregions, to assess bat diversity using an integrated approach based on non-invasive survey techniques. By coupling automatic acoustic surveys with potential roost inspections, and molecular tools for species identification from guano, we disclosed the presence of at least eight bat species on the island. Among these, we recorded the unequivocal occurrence of species mainly distributed in North Africa and whose distribution in the European territory is relatively marginal, such as Rhinolophus mehelyi, Plecotus gaisleri and Myotis punicus. Moreover, we highlight the occurrence of the Maghrebian bent-winged bat Miniopterus maghrebensis on Lampedusa, representing the first record of this north-western African species for Europe. Besides, we disclose that, on the limited territory of Lampedusa, temporary ponds and remnants of natural scrubland associated with watersheds are key drivers of species activity and diversity. Our results highlight the exceptional role of islands, and of those in the Strait of Sicily in particular, as biogeographical reservoirs, and consequently, as key areas for bat diversity conservation in Europe.