A Biodiversity Hotspot in Eastern Europe
Romania and Ukraine are true havens for European bats. With their vast forests, river valleys, old-growth woodlands, abundant caves, and historic buildings, these countries host an impressive variety of bat species — over 30 species in Romania and more than 28 species confirmed in Ukraine.
Many of these species are rare or threatened in Western Europe but still find strongholds here thanks to relatively intact habitats. However, threats like deforestation, pesticide use, and the loss of roost sites are rising fast.
Where Do They Live?
The region’s bats are incredibly diverse in their choice of roosts:
- Forest species: Many depend on old trees with hollows and loose bark (Barbastella barbastellus, Myotis bechsteinii).
- Cave species: Famous cave dwellers include the Greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros).
- Building-dwellers: Species like the Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), Serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus), and Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) often roost in attics, churches, or old barns.
- Migratory species: The Common noctule (Nyctalus noctula) and Nathusius’ pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii) migrate seasonally, sometimes over hundreds of kilometers between summer and winter sites.
🦇 Flagship Species
Here are some key bats you might find in Romania and Ukraine:
Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum)
- One of Europe’s largest insect-eating bats.
- Often roosts in caves and old buildings.
- Its populations are stable in parts of Romania but declining elsewhere in Europe.
Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros)
- Prefers underground sites and warm attics for maternity colonies.
- Quite common in the Carpathians and the Subcarpathians.
Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
- Europe’s most widespread bat.
- Frequently found in towns and cities — even roosting behind shutters and roof tiles.
- It can squeeze into tiny gaps only 1.5 cm wide!
Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus)
- A near-threatened woodland specialist.
- Roosts behind loose bark or in tree crevices.
- Romania’s old beech forests and Ukraine’s mixed woodlands are crucial for its survival.
Bechstein’s Bat (Myotis bechsteinii)
- An old-growth forest indicator species.
- Very sensitive to habitat fragmentation.
- Found in the Carpathians and other undisturbed forests.
Conservation: Challenges & Opportunities
Good news:
Large parts of Romania and Ukraine still have relatively intact forests, extensive karst regions with thousands of caves, and rural landscapes with old barns and churches.
Threats:
- Logging of old-growth forests removes crucial tree roosts.
- Pesticides reduce insect prey.
- Modern renovations can seal off attics and crevices.
- Disturbance in hibernation sites can cause whole colonies to abandon caves.
Why These Bats Matter
- Insect control: A single bat can eat thousands of mosquitoes and moths in one night.
- Forest health: Some bats help spread seeds or transport nutrients.
- Biodiversity indicators: Healthy bat populations reflect healthy ecosystems.
How Can We Help?
- Support local conservation groups
- Protect old trees and forests.
- Make churches, attics, and bridges bat-friendly during renovations.
- Reduce pesticide use.
- Join or support monitoring projects — citizen science helps track population changes.
Closing Thought
Romania and Ukraine are home to some of Europe’s richest bat communities. From the tiny Common Pipistrelle hunting insects around streetlights to the elusive Barbastelle gliding through ancient forests, these animals are silent guardians of the night.
Protecting them means protecting the health of our forests, rivers, and villages — and keeping a bit of wild magic in our night skies.