High temporal resolution data reveal low bat and insect activity over managed meadows in central Europe

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Zoology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Global declines in insect populations and biodiversity are linked to agriculture and pesticide use.
• Insect abundance is crucial for higher trophic levels, such as insectivorous bats.
• Meadows are common European landscape structures, potentially important for insectivorous bats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To monitor spatiotemporal variation in nocturnal flying insect abundance over meadows.
• To correlate insect abundance and swarms with bat feeding activity.
• To assess the value of meadows as foraging habitats for bats.

Main Methods:

• Monitoring of nocturnal flying insect abundance over various meadows.
• Correlation analysis between insect abundance/swarms and bat feeding activity.
• Comparison across different meadow management intensities.

Main Results:

• Insect abundance was consistently extremely low across all monitored meadows.
• No correlation was found between insect abundance or swarms and bat feeding activity.
• Meadows were identified as poor habitats for nocturnal flying insects and bats.

Conclusions:

• Extremely low insect abundance over meadows limits their value as bat foraging grounds.
• Long-term monitoring of insect abundance at high temporal scales is vital for habitat protection.
• Conservation efforts must address the rapid decline of insects and their habitats.