Asian Barbastelle
Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT: R.
Distribution overall and in the country. From the Sinai Peninsula through the Caucasus and southern chains of Central Asian mountains, Northern India, Nepal, Kashgaria to Indochina and Japan. Rare everywhere. In Kyrgyzstan, found only in the south of Osh and Batken regions, in the foothills (adyrahs) of the Turkestan, Alai, and Fergana ranges [3, 40]. There are finds in the Inner Tien Shan.
Habitats. Inhabits stony (ore and limestone karst) and loess caves located in arid foothills, with sparse semi-desert vegetation adjacent to oasis fields (cotton fields) and grazing pastures (in the extreme southeast of Osh region). In summer, it ascends to mountains at altitudes of up to 2200-2500 m above sea level. The highest known winter location is at an altitude of 1000 m. The most favored winter shelters are abandoned adits [40].
Population. A rare species that does not form significant clusters (settles in groups of 3-7 individuals, often solitary). Data on population in Kyrgyzstan is absent.
Life style (life cycles). Poorly studied. In caves, it usually occupies small recesses in the walls, less often hangs freely from the ceiling. It undertakes vertical migrations: in winter, it inhabits caves of the foothill zone, in summer it ascends to higher mountain zones. The depth of hibernation (winter) depends on cave temperature and body temperature. At a body temperature of about 10°C, it does not react to light, immediately responds with a squeak to touch and is ready for active flight in 10-15 minutes, which is not observed at 6°C and below. It leaves hibernation in March-April. Feeding and reproduction in Kyrgyzstan have not been studied.
Limiting factors. Natural enemies are not studied. Bloodsucking arthropods - ticks and fleas have been found.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not recorded.
Existing conservation measures. None.
Recommended conservation measures. Protection of habitats and shelters.
Asiatic Wide-eared Bat
Asian Barbastelle (Asiatic Wide-eared Bat)
Barbastella leucomelas (Cretzschmar, 1826)
Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT: R. Sporadically spread south-Asian (from Western Mediterranean to Japan) resident sub-solitary bat species, listed in IUCN RLTS. In Kyrgyzstan it is known in arid semi-desert piedmonts of Turkestan, Alai and Fergana Mountains, also recorded in Inner Tien Shan. The species populates stony and loess caves as well as old galleries (preferable place for hibernation) and reveals vertical seasonal migration (most elevated winter record in Kyrgyzstan is at 1,000 m, in summer bats migrate to mountains up to 2,500 m). Hibernation finishes in March - April, sleep depth depends on air temperature; groups usually consist of 3-7 individuals. In Kyrgyzstan its life-mode is insufficiently known (four tick and two flea species were registered), feeding and reproduction are unstudied, limiting factors undetermined, data about number and breeding in captivity are not available, as well as any protection measures undertaken. For the species conservation, it is offered to organize protection of habitats and retreats.
