Die Ökophysiologie von migrierenden Fledermäusen der gemäßigten Breiten

Migration is one of the most spectacular events in nature and has captured the attention of researchers since a long time. Among terrestrial mammals, bats are particularly fascinating with respect to their migratory biology. The study species of the proposed work, the insectivorous 8-g bat Pipistrellus nathusii, travels up to ~4,000 km between Northeast Europe (Baltic States and Russia) and Western Europe (France) during their annual journeys. In the proposed work, I will investigate the migratory phenology of P. nathusii using spatial modelling based on stable hydrogen isotope ratios of fur keratin. Furthermore, I will quantify the metabolic power of flying P. nathusii in relation to speed in a wind tunnel to evaluate whether free-ranging bats use an optimal migration speed. In addition, I will measure the thermoregulatory behaviour and energy expenditure of P. nathusii at stopover sites to test whether bats use a torpor-assisted migration strategy. This project will shed light on the physiological factors that promote and constrain the migratory performance of insectivorous bats in Europe.

DFG-Verfahren Sachbeihilfen

Internationaler Bezug Großbritannien, Lettland

Beteiligte Personen Dr. Marc Wilhelm Holderied; Professorin Dr. Stephanie Kramer-Schadt; Professor Dr. Gunars Petersons; Dr. Niels C. Rattenborg