Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In the Moscow section of Losiny Ostrov National Park, artificial nesting boxes for bats have been installed. They were installed in areas where the animals lack natural shelter.
Bats typically rest in the hollows of old trees. Such trees are becoming increasingly rare, so specialists at the capital's Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection They install artificial shelters for the animals. These nesting boxes are similar to birdhouses, but they are designed differently. The entrance is a narrow horizontal slit at the bottom of the house. Bats can easily enter, while their natural enemies, such as owls or martens, cannot.
Experts believe the nest boxes in Losiny Ostrov will become a permanent home for bats and help maintain their population. However, the animals won't settle in right away. Bats are very wary of new objects. They need time to explore the artificial shelters and ensure their safety.
"It's important to note that colonizing nest boxes with bats is a long process, taking years. Don't expect these artificial shelters to be populated immediately after the nest boxes are erected. Success is possible if the area around them has a sufficient food supply (an abundance of nocturnal insects during the warm season), and the nest box's design and location are suitable for the bats," noted Denis Vasenkov, PhD, a researcher at the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Bats play an important role in the city's ecosystem. At night, they hunt insect pests and rest in shelters during the day. In the wild, they hide in the hollows of old trees, cracks, or under bark. Here, they hang upside down, clinging to the uneven surface with their hind legs.
From May to July, bats breed. The animals gather in groups while the females carry and feed their young. The groups disband when the young begin to fly and forage for food on their own.
Experts recommend not disturbing bats in parks and green areas. Avoid touching nest boxes, peering inside, or making noise near them to avoid scaring off future bat residents.
One of the priority tasks of the capital Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection— assistance to wild animals in difficult situations. If you encounter an injured animal or bird in need of specialized medical care, please contact the Moscow Government's unified information service at 7 495 777-77-77.
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