A multidisciplinary approach unveils the distribution of the Alpine long-eared bat Plecotus macrobullaris (Vespertilionidae) in Italy
Author:
Mori Emiliano12ORCID, Baratti Mariella3, Viviano Andrea1ORCID, Dondini Gianna4, Vergari Simone4, Patriarca Elena5, Debernardi Paolo5, Spada Martina6, Vergari Sebastiano4, Ancillotto Leonardo12ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri IRET , Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Florence) , Italy 2. National Biodiversity Future Center , 90133 Palermo , Italy 3. Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources IBBR , Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Florence) , Italy 4. MuNAP – Museo Naturalistico Archeologico Appennino Pistoiese , Via Orange, 51028 Gavinana , Pistoia , Italy 5. Stazione Teriologica Piemontese , c/o Museo Civ. St. Naturale, Via S. Francesco di Sales 188, 10022 , Carmagnola (Torino) , Italy 6. Università degli Studi dell’Insubria , Varese , Italy
Abstract
Abstract
Genetic techniques have allowed to identify a number of cryptic species of bats and to better define their distribution ranges and conservation status. Long-eared bats Plecotus spp. occur throughout Eurasia and Africa, with a high number of morphologically similar species, often occurring in sympatry. Therefore, disentangling the distribution of one species from another may be challenging. Italy represents a diversity hotspot for long-eared bats in Europe, hosting six species belonging to the genus Plecotus. In this study we report on both published and unpublished investigations on the Alpine long-eared bat Plecotus macrobullaris by integrating field and molecular methods, as well as opportunistic verified records from citizen scientists (i.e., individuals showing the diagnostic triangular chin pad in photos), to redefine the distribution of this species in Italy. We retrieved a total of 149 published records and 16 new confirmed records, namely 7 from iNaturalist, 6 from Facebook and 3 from molecular analyses. In Italy, the species occurs throughout the Alpine and Pre-Alpine chain, as well as in close proximity to the sea, and in Northeastern plains. Based on new records, we proved that it occurs also in other areas, including the Northern Apennine ridge. Our findings call for the application of an integrated approach in investigating cryptic species, that provides valuable data to support conservation assessments and the establishment of proper protection measures for poorly known species.
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Reference39 articles.
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