Past deforestation of Mediterranean Europe explains the present distribution of the strict forest dweller Myotis bechsteinii

摘要: Abstract Habitat loss and degradation are perceived as main factors threatening biodiversity. Historical rather than contemporary processes often responsible for present patterns of species’ distribution, but their respective contributions not always easy to disentangle. The strict forest specialist, sedentary, highly phylopatric Bechstein’s bat (Myotis bechsteinii) is an ideal model species assess the effect historical landscape transformations in current distribution species. Although date has been considered almost absent from Mediterranean range (Southern Europe), recently it shown be common certain spots there. We test whether ecological preferences this area related biogeographical constraints or clearance forests preferred areas. assessed roost selection, spatial ecology, foraging habitat prey selection Atlantic domains Iberian Peninsula. Ecological requirements appeared conserved throughout, less constrained localities. Hunting occurred preferentially inside closed deciduous oak both regions, commuting distances areas were larger Atlantic, together with higher fragmentation lower availability. same taxa eaten although frequency diet varied, matching differences Consequently, scarcity these bats Iberia seems better explained by retreat due human impacts, coupled climate change.