What is driving range expansion in a common bat? Hints from thermoregulation and habitat selection.

摘要: Abstract Human-induced alterations of ecosystems and environmental conditions often lead to changes in the geographical range plants animals. While modelling exercises may contribute understanding such dynamics at large spatial scales, they rarely offer insights into mechanisms that prompt process a local scale. Savi’s pipistrelle (Hypsugo savii) is vespertilionid bat widespread throughout Mediterranean region. The species’ recent expansion towards northeastern Europe thought be induced by urbanization, yet no study actually tested this hypothesis, climate change potential alternative driver. In radio-telemetry study, set Vesuvius National Park (Campania region, Southern Italy) we provide thermal physiology foraging ecology investigate their relationships with large-scale responses climate, land use changes. Specifically, test whether H. savii i) exploits urbanisation selecting urban areas for roosting foraging, ii) tolerates heatwaves (a proxy thermophily) through plastic thermoregulation. Tolerance would consistent observation geographic not shifting but expanding northwards. Tracked bats roosted mainly buildings avoided habitats while actively non-intensive farmland natural wooded areas. Hypsugo showed tolerance heat, reaching highest body temperature ever recorded free-ranging (46.5 °C), performing long periods overheating. We conclude strictly synurbic species because it roosting, avoids them foraging: questions role synurbization as On other hand, extreme heat thermoregulatory behaviour represent winning traits cope typical change-related weather fluctuations.