Occurence of Bechstein's bat Myotis bechsteini (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in Sicily.

Abstract

The bat fauna of Sicily is still poorly known and no extensive survey of these mammals on the island has been so far carried out. Here we report on the occurrence of Bechstein’s bat (Myotis bechsteinii) on the island. We recorded this species’ presence at two sites of the Nebrodi mountains (central Sicily) at an elevation of ca. 1500 m a.s.l. The occurrence of M. bechsteinii in Sicily has been regarded as doubtful and not mentioned in recent checklists. Our observations clearly establish that this species does occur on the island and awaits appropriate consideration for conservation actions.