A recent paper detailing the results of research into the genetic structure and diversity of Bechstein’s bats, provides fascinating insights into this rare (UK) species and can be used to influence conservation efforts. In this article, Kate Priestman summarises the findings of this research…
Credit: Parc naturel régional des Vosges du Nord / Wikimedia Commons
Bechstein’s bat (Myotis bechsteinii) is one of the UK’s rarest bats and is associated almost exclusively with woodland habitat. Distribution wise, they are found only in southern Wales and parts of southern England, this restricted distribution is considered to be largely as a result of habitat removal (specifically, ancient woodland).
Genetic diversity strongly influences a population’s resilience and adaptability to change in the face of environmental pressures. As with many things in relation to bats, knowledge about their biology and conservation status is limited. However, with the advance of molecular techniques it is increasingly possible to gain a better understanding of these species.
Genetic diversity in bats has largely been maintained due to their mobile nature, despite changes in land use and other environmental pressures. However, on islands such as Britain, where human pressure is significant, there is an increased chance that genetic diversity suffers, which in turn has the potential to lead to extinction of a species.
It is as a result of Bechstein’s affinity with a relatively narrow range of habitats and features that populations of these bats are considered to be insular. Previous studies have shown an isolation of mating sites, which contributes to low genetic diversity.
This particular study looked at 328 individual bats from 15 sites. A wing tissue sample was taken from each bat, in addition to a small number of droppings. The results found that levels of genetic diversity across all sites was high and levels of inbreeding low, with the exception of one UK population: residing in Bernwood in Buckinghamshire, this population showed signs of inbreeding and low genetic diversity, making this particular population more vulnerable to environmental pressures, habitat fragmentation and loss.
Whilst genetic diversity was found to be generally high across the species’ range, those in Britain exhibited a lower genetic diversity than elsewhere and were differentiated from the rest of Europe (Italian populations also appeared to show signs of isolation from the rest of Europe). This seems to be influenced by geographical barriers such as the English Channel, but a differentiation was also found to exist between the northern and southern part of the Bechstein’s range in the UK. The study reports that the absence of obvious physical barriers such as mountain ranges between both populations suggests that anthropogenic barriers may explain the differentiation.
The results of this study when combined with the results of previous studies will further help to inform conservation efforts; an example of this relates to autumn swarming sites throughout the range, which are considered to be of significant importance to maintaining genetic diversity. Continued pressures on landscape connectivity means that ongoing long-term monitoring is essential.
Header Image: Dietmar Nill/Wikimedia Commons
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About the Author: Kate Priestman (CEnv, MCIEEM) has over sixteen years experience as an ecologist. Prior to setting up her own consultancy business in 2012, Kate worked in London for over a decade, providing the lead ecology role for a number of high profile projects. Kate works as an artist, author, writer and editor.
