The challenge posed by newly discovered cryptic species: disentangling the environmental niches of long‐eared bats

摘要: Aim The discovery of cryptic species poses new challenges for conservation. Species distributions and conservation status have to be re-evaluated, the ecological requirements within complex re-assessed recommend adequate guidelines. The recent in Central Europe bat Plecotus macrobullaris (Kuzjakin 1965) calls a appraisal all three that area. Location Switzerland. Methods Using mostly DNA-identified records, we investigated environmental niches (ecological niche factor analysis) long-eared at landscape scale modelled their potential distributions. Discriminant analysis was used interspecific comparisons. Results The occurrence best explained by proximity rural settlements warm summer temperature. auritus (Linnaeus, 1758) positively associated with transition zones from forests other habitats heterogeneous landscapes; austriacus (J. Fischer, 1829) more frequently found orchards vineyards. Plecotus macrobullaris linked deciduous forests. P. auritus had broadest niche, predicted most forested regions throughout Switzerland. slightly narrower P. macrobullaris mainly encompassed areas Southern Alps. P. austriacus showed very narrow lowlands, its habitat overlapping those P. macrobullaris. Although range overlap between P. P. macrobullaris, current observations suggest parapatric distribution Switzerland. Main conclusions The projected confirm previous knowledge P. auritus, but shed light on two species. In contrast newly discovered which is actually widespread Alps Switzerland, restricted warmer cultivated lowlands thus may suffered major land use changes. We reclassifying higher status.