A mouse caught him bat in flight and killing them: A video showing the unique behavior of the Bad Segeberg Kalkberghöhle has spread widely on social media in recent weeks. Matthias Göttsche, head of bat monitoring in Schleswig-Holstein, knows the background to the footage, which dates from 2020 and has now been published as part of the research.
The rat population was successfully controlled
At that time there was a rat population in Kalkberg, but this was dealt with quickly and successfully, Göttsche told dpa. In the event of a new rodent appearance, a wildlife camera and test bait are used. Kalkberg Cave in Bad Segeberg With around 30,000 animals, it is the largest wintering ground for bats in north central Europe.
Owls disrupt bat populations
Owls pose a greater danger to bats than mice. These small mammals flying in and out can attract the attention of tawny owls, which then position themselves at the entrance and intercept the bats. The problem was not the loss of individual copies, but rather the mass reaction. “It was the presence of the hunter,” says Göttsche. The bats then avoid the affected area. “The avoidance effect is greater than the feeding effect.”
Cats can also be dangerous to bats
In the 1990s it was Cat big problem in Kalkberg. They placed themselves in the openings of caves used by bats and killed many animals. “That’s their hunting instinct. They catch more than they need to feed themselves.” The problem is solved by preparing the entry cabin. At this time, additional coarse mesh netting was stretched along the level path on the ground. Cats can get into them, but they can no longer jump to catch flying bats.
According to Göttsche, the Kalkberghöhle in Bad Segeberg is the best-observed bat wintering ground in Germany. The inlet has been monitored with light barriers for more than 30 years. In addition to light barrier counts, there are infrared video cameras in the entry area so bats can be observed without distraction. In the future, these recordings will help better distinguish the occurrences of different bat species.
Technology helps identify disruptions
This technology also helps observe visits and disturbances from other animals. “We noticed a lot of movement in and around the cave, observing and intervening where necessary from a nature conservation point of view to protect the bats,” Göttsche said. Recently a completely new discovery was made that a skunk was in the cave for two days.
Action was also taken against poachers in other bat roosting areas, for example in the bat bunker in Hohenlockstedt (Steinburg district). The angled sheet of metal at the entry hole is intended to prevent tawny owls from sticking there until they land.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251123-930-328391/1
