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This presentation highlights the need to develop a set of minimum standards for monitoring. This would ensure a meaningful comparison of the Article 17 reporting results between EU member states.

U današnje vrijeme znanstvenici i stručnjaci istražuju prirodu različitim naprednim tehnologijama pomoću kojih nam otkrivaju i približavaju dosad nepoznato. Ova izložba ostvarena je suradnjom Javne ustanove Rezervat Lokrum i Tehničkog muzeja Nikola Tesla s ciljem približavanja svijeta šišmiša i tehnologija koje se koriste za njihovo istraživanje. Otok Lokrum zaštićen je kao poseban rezervat šumske vegetacije prije više od 70 godina zbog jedinstvene šume česvine koju nastanjuju brojne vrste. Putopisci i istraživači posjećivali su Lokrum i bilježili nalaze vrsta. Ipak, podatci o šišmišima bili su skromni sve do 2016. godine kad su istraživači iz Hrvatske i Velike Britanije započeli zajednička istraživanja. Otkrili su ukupno 11 vrsta šišmiša što je velik broj za tako mali otok. Lokrum je izuzetno važno stanište za kolonije dviju vrsta šišmiša — Kolombatovićevog dugoušana i malog potkovnjaka. Istraživanja šišmiša na Lokrumu suvremenim tehnologijama kao što su primjena bat detektora i telemetrije na izložbi su prikazana filmom, pri čemu se čuje i glasanje šišmiša snimljeno pomoću bat detektora. Izložba je postavljena u prostoru Benediktinskog samostana na Lokrumu.

With its heavily-wooded landscape, three open water bodies, an abundance of natural and artificial (man-made) roosts, as well as the lack of disturbance overnight from human activities such as noise and artificial lighting ; the island of Lokrum is an ideal habitat for a wide range of bat species. Yet prior to 2016 knowledge of bat fauna on the island was limited to one source simply stating that two bat species have nursery colonies in the Benedictine monastery complex. With the planned renovation of the island’s historical buildings, the authorities at the Public Institution “Special Reserve of forest vegetation Island Lokrum” commissioned the Croatian Biospeleological Society (CBSS) to undertake an assessment of the islands bat fauna, with particular reference to the Benedictine monastery complex and Maximillian residence. This would be a requirement of the licensing process during the renovation of the buildings, as bat colonies are protected under both EU and Croatian law. In 2017, the Vincent Wildlife Trust were asked to collaborate on the bat assessment using specialist radio-telemetry techniques. Further work was undertaken in 2019 with the assistance of British ecologists who specialise in mitigating the effects on bats of the renovation of historical buildings. The assessment was conducted using mist- nettings, ultra-sound recordings, infra-red filming, visual and photographic building surveys. These established that 11 of the 34 bat species found in Croatia are present on the Lokrum, which is an extraordinarily high bat biodiversity for an island with a surface area of only 0.7 km2. Radio-telemetry studies of the island’s population of Plecotus kolombatovici, have shown it to have a flexible roosting ecology. In addition to the roosts in the Benedictine monastery complex, Maximillian residence and Fort Royal, day roosts were also found in natural cavities in trees and cracks in caves. The study highlighted the importance of the island’s buildings even to those bats who roosted in natural sites. They were the focus of much overnight bat activity and used as night roosts and for social interaction between the population. The development of a mitigation plan for the Benedictine monastery complex and Maximillian residence focused on three species known to have maternity roosts in the buildings ; Plecotus kolombatovici, Rhinolophus hipposideros and Myotis mystacinus. Two further species, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Myotis nattereri, were also accommodated in the plans. Roosting opportunities and the provision of flightpaths through the building have been maintained. A dedicated bat room has been set aside on the ground floor of the monastery. Bat access points, particularly into the roofs of the buildings, have been incorporated in the plans. Finally, provision has been made for bat access into the proposed reconstructed roof in the central room of the monastery complex and over the veranda in the Maximillian residence.

Plecotus kolombatovici is restricted to islands and the coastal strip along the western Adriatic from northern Croatia down to the Greece. It was identified as a separate species in 2001, consequently, little is known of its roosting and foraging ecology ; information that is critical to the conservation of this species. The presence of P. kolombatovici on Lokrum island was confirmed by HBSD in the summer 2016 during surveys of the island to inform a management plan for the conservation of bats around the historical buildings on the island. This discovery led to a radio-telemetry study of the species to determine the roosting areas in the buildings and provide wider advice on protecting this species on the island. Seven female were caught in mist-nets on Lokrum in June 2017 and fitted with 0.38g radiotransmitters. The bats were radio-tracked for six nights, and data were collected on their foraging locations, activity patterns and the roosts. The bats foraged in the native woodlands on the island as well as in non- native woodland in the Botanical gardens. There was considerable overlap in the core foraging areas of the tagged bats and the location of their principal foraging areas was strongly associated with the location of their day roosts. Day roosting was recorded in the historical buildings on the island but also in sea caves and trees.

Sustavno prikupljanje faune Sjevernog Velebita prvi je započeo godine 1901. Franjo Dobijaš (M. Padewieth), entomolog i trgovac prirodninama iz Senja. Njegov nalaz tada još nepoznate gušterice u Štirovači potakao je niz stranih i domaćih znanstvenika da započnu istraživanja na Velebitu. Istaknuli bismo: austrijsku ekspediciju (O. Wettstein, 1926) koju je sponzorirao grof Liechtenstein, istraživanja gmazova na potezu Jablanac – Alan N. Mršića (SAZU, 1971-1978), istraživanja sitnih sisavaca B. Đulić i N. Tvrtkovića (Krasno – Apatišanska duliba – Vučjak, PMF Zagreb, 1974), visinski transekt Donja Klada – Vučjak s lovnim posudama za sitne sisavce, te opažanjima gmazova i vodozemaca (HPM, 1976-1985), istraživanja velebitske gušterice N. De Luca (PMF Zagreb, 1985-1987), te istraživanja terestričke faune pretplaninske bukove šume lovnim posudama na Velikom Zavižanu (HPM, M. Vuković, 1995-1996). U prikupljanju podataka značajno je pomogla porodica Drage Vukušića iz Gornje Klade. Uz područje Nacionalnog parka su tipski lokaliteti s kojih je opisana velebitska gušterica Iberolacerta horvathi, te ilirski voluharić Microtus liechtensteini, endemične vrste zapadnih Dinarida i jugoistočnih Alpa. Sličnog rasprostranjenja je i reliktna gušterica Zootoca carniolica, a Sj. Velebit je najzapadnije područje rasprostranjenja ugroženog reliktnog voluhara Dinaromys longipedis. Kod istraživanih skupina su dosad poznati uglavnom samo faunistički sastav i visinska rasprostranjenost, ali je prostorna istraženost nedovoljna kao i poznavanje genetike i ekologije značajnijih vrsta. Posebno nedostaju podaci za procjene brojnosti i ostali elementi potrebni za procjene ugroženosti. Ukupno16 vrsta (zelena krastača, šest gušterica, šest zmija i tri sisavca) je na listama Europske Direktive o staništima. Preporučit će se vrste za istraživanja i praćenje stanja.

Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a special reserve of forest vegetation since 1948. The total surface of the island is 0.7 km2, while dense vegetation covers 86% of the island, with the forest and maquis dominated by Quercus ilex and Fraxinus ornus. The island and the seabelt are also a Natura 2000 site. Lokrum Island, as a part of Dubrovnik Old Town, is under the protection of UNESCO as a cultural heritage. The only known data for the bat fauna on the island originate from one source stating that two bat species have nurseries in the Benedictine monastery, without any additional data on dates and numbers of specimens. In June and September 2016 we investigated the bat fauna by placing mist-nets around water bodies, searching overground and underground potential roosting sites and echolocation recording using ultrasound detectors. Overall 7 bat species were mistnetted: Hypsugo savii, Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis nattereri, M. mystacinus, Pipistrellus kuhlii, P. nathusii and Plecotus kolombatovici. In the Benedictine monastery a nursery colony of Rhinolophus hipposideros was confirmed and one R. ferrumequinum specimen was also recorded. The nursery of Plecotus kolombatovici was also confirmed, although the exact location in the monastery complex was not found. The echolocation recordings revealed 2 more species: Tadarida teniotis and Nyctalus noctula. Preserved forest and vegetation of the island, water reservoirs at three localities, a number of overground roosts and sea caves together with the absence of visitors during the night enables a high biodiversity of bat fauna for such a small island, with 11 of the 34 Croatian- recorded bat species. The results were presented at the International Bat Night in 2016, the first ever for that particular county. Bat research results from 2016, together with additional research planned in 2017, will enable further recommendations and actions for the conservation of the bat fauna through the current development of the Lokrum Island Reserve Management Plan.

In mammals, serotonin (5HT) is present both in the brain (central compartment) and peripheral tissues (peripheral compartment). 5HT regulates neurodevelopment and as a neurotransmitter mediates essential behaviors including social and anxiety behaviors. Rat pups separated from their mother produce ultrasonic calls which indicate distress from loss of affiliate contact and may serve as a measure of anxiety. Effects of perinatal disturbances in 5HT metabolism were studied by exposing developing Wistar rats to treatments with the immediate 5HT precursor 5‐ hydroxytryptophan (5HTP, 25 mg/kg), which significantly raises only peripheral 5HT concentrations, or the monoamine oxidase inhibitor tranylcypromine (TCP, 2 mg/kg), which significantly elevates 5HT in both compartments, from gestational day 12 until postnatal day (PND) 21. Separation calls were recorded on PNDs 13 and 16. Latency, number and duration of calls were used as measures of anxiety. Frequency of maximal energy was used as a measure of maturation. Increase in separation anxiety and delay in maturation were slight and nonsignificant after 5HTP treatment but strong and significant after TCP treatment. The results indicate that exposure of developing brain to increased 5HT concentrations leads to behavioral abnormalities that were more pronounced after perinatal alteration in both 5HT compartments, indicating that hyperserotonemia alone is not sufficient to cause 5HT‐related disturbances in neurodevelopmental syndromes.

There are 55 Internationally important underground roosts for bats submitted to UNEP/EUROBATS Agreement. Underground sites in Croatia refer to caves, pits, mines, railway tunnels and waterway tunnels. Each site has following data: coordinates, name, type, primary usage (all year, hibernation maternity, transient/migratory), name and code of pSCI, biogeographical region, number of bat species recorded and protection (gates, grilles, difficult access, open for public). For each bat species per site the year in which the biggest number of individuals recorded since 1994 is given together with the type of usage. In all underground sites listed, altogether 25 bat species out of 34 present in Croatia are recorded. As a general rule for the most species the most numerous hibernacula are in the continental biogeographical region, whereas in the mediterranean biogeographical region the biggest maternities are present. All 55 underground sites are a part of the Natura 2000 Ecological Network which means that for every project, plan and programme an impact to the Natura site conservation objectives should be assessed. Legal mechanisms required at the strategic planning and physical planning level or project level are presented taking into account roost type, usage type and ecology of bat species. Provided are examples of criteria and evaluation of strategic impact assessment of the county physical plan and Appropriate assessment on the project level of several windfarms.

In this work, importance of cooperation on citizen, expert, legislative and regional level in conservation and protection of strictly protected bat species is highlighted. Certain bat species adapted to the cohabitation with humans due to roost loss primarily in forests. Resolution 5.7 of UNEP/EUROBATS Agreement gives Guidelines for the Protection of Overground Roosts, with Particular Reference to Roosts in Buildings of Cultural Heritage. Smaller bat species of the genus Pipistrellus may find roosts that has opening more than 5 mm. Some other species of the genus Rhinolophus prefer abandoned houses or attics that are rarely used. Investigation based on the citizen calls were conducted since 2009 mostly in central part of Croatia. According to the proposed Protocol object type, age and usage together with bat species were recorded. Taking into account different demands of building owners like renovation or cohabitation conflict, different solutions in terms of bat box installation, the legislation procedure needed and success of positive solutions are presented. Conservation and protection mechanisms during restauration of Old Town Bosiljevo through monitoring and limitation of renovation works are given as an example.

Rodents' vocalisation is an important component of their behaviour, and in the case of the Balkan snow vole (Dinaromys bogdanovi) it is completely unknown. The study on vocalisation of this endemic rodent was conducted on 15 adult specimens housed at the Zagreb Zoo. The aim of the research was to identify the acoustic repertoire of this species and to determinate differences in acoustic signals in array of environmental situations. The animals were tested in various settings, including new territory, presence of scent or presence of conspecific or heterospecific. The vocalisation was recorded in real time with a UltraMIc 200K microphone. The sonographic analysis of acoustic parameters has determined simple signals with frequency modulation, including high, low, and high‐low tendencies ; signals of a constant frequency and complex signals based from multiple components including harmonics, frequency steps and leaps. Our results showed that vocalisation in the sonic and ultrasonic spectra with a high variance of ultrasonic signals could be found during a specimen's social contact, while during spatial exploration or scent simulation of another species, the variability and frequency of the calls were reduced to a minimum. This study is the first report of the vocal repertoire of D. bogdanovi, variability and possible importance of vocalisation for this highly endemic rodent species.

This study was conducted on the Croatian part of the Dinara Mountain, which is part of the Dinaric Alps mountain range that extends from the Julian Alps in Slovenia to the Prokletije Mountains in Albania. The main goal of this study was to collect more data on bat species around its highest peaks. The research was part of an international inventory project „Dinara 2012“ organized by BIUS- Biology Student Association. During July 2012 more than 10 underground sites were visited in search of bat summer colonies or potential winter hibernacula locations. During August 2012 bat research was carried out mainly on roads and paths within forests, forest edges and meadows in search for potential corridors and foraging areas, or as an exit to open habitats. This study confirmed seven bat species that have already been recorded for this area (Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis blythii, M. capaccinii, M. myotis, Rhinolophus blasii, R. euryale, R. hipposideros). Five species recorded during this survey are new records for the Dinara Mountain (M. mystacinus, M. nattereri, Nyctalus leisleri, N. noctula, P. auritus). Now, the bat list for the Dinara Mountain range is complemented and the total number of bat species is 15 (M. schreibersii, M. blythii, M. capaccinii, M. emarginatus, M. mystacinus, M. myotis, M. nattereri, Nycta-lus leisleri, N. noctula, P. nathusii P. auritus, R. blasii, R. euryale, R. ferrumequinum, R. hipposideros). Since this is a very large and complex area more extensive research of this area would provide much better information on the species present, their activity and distribution.

In mammals, serotonin (5HT) is present both in the brain (central 5HT compartment) and peripheral tissues (peripheral 5HT compartment) which are two separated, yet closely related entities. On one hand, 5HT is synthesized and regulated independently in the two compartments separated by the blood-brain barrier. On the other hand, proteins that regulate 5HT function in both compartments are encoded by the same genes, have identical primary structures and follow the same kinetics. Moreover, during perinatal development, the blood-brain barrier is not fully formed and serotonin can freely cross between the compartments. In the developing brain, serotonin acts as a key regulator of serotonergic outgrowth and maturation of target regions. Therefore, perinatally altered 5HT homeostasis could lead to deviations from optimal 5HT concentrations, affecting so the development of the brain serotonergic system and later leading to the related behavioral deficits. Although central 5HT disturbances are strongly indicated in several neurodevelopmental disorders, the role of peripheral 5HT dysregulation, and its relationship to central 5HT malfunctioning are less clear. In our earlier study we showed that perinatal treatment with the immediate 5HT precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP), significantly raised peripheral but not central 5HT concentrations, while the perinatal treatment with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, tranylcypromine (TCP), induced significant 5HT elevations in both compartments. The aim of this study was to compare the extent of developmental disturbances caused by perinatal alteration in peripheral 5HT homeostasis to those caused by perinatal alteration in both, peripheral and central 5HT homeostasis. Wistar rats were treated with either 25mg/kg of 5HTP or 2mg/kg TCP, from GD 13 until birth by subcutaneous injections to pregnant females, and from PND1 until PND 21 by receiving subcutaneous injections themselves. Separation anxiety was assessed through number and duration of ultrasonic separation calls (40 kHz of pups to the mother and 50 kHz of juvenile rats to conspecifics) recorded on PNDs 13, 16 and 18. Brain samples were collected on PND 22. Cytoarchitecture of barrel fields was analyzed after Nissl staining of tangentially oriented serial sections across the dorsolateral telencephalic wall. Compared to the saline- treated controls, pups from both experimental groups had decreased viability (25% were still born or died within 48 hrs) and significantly lower body mass throughout the entire postnatal period. Both treatments altered the formation of the barrel cortex. Disturbances in size and organization of the barrel fields, as well as in delineation and number of barrels in the field were more pronounced in TCP-treated animals. 5HTP treatment induced slight, non- significant increase in separation anxiety and a slight delay in switching from 40 to 50 kHz calls (PND18 vs. PND16 in controls). TCP treatment induced significant increase in separation anxiety at all three time-points with calls retaining a 40 kHz frequency. The obtained results suggest that exposure of the developing brain to increased 5HT concentrations may lead to structural and behavioral abnormalities indicative of developmental delay. Developmental disturbances induced by perinatal alteration in both 5HT compartments were much more pronounced than those induced by perinatal alteration only in the peripheral 5HT-compartment indicating that hyperserotonemia alone might not be sufficient to cause 5HT-related disturbances in neurodevelopmental syndromes. Still, transient fetal/neonatal (along with maternal) hyperserotonemia in 5HTP-treated animals was sufficient to induce measurable 5HT-related changes, suggesting a caution in the use of this 5HT enhancer by pregnant women.

The cave Veternica, near the capital Zagreb, has been open for tourists since the 1960s, but bat friendly management started to develop in 2003 as a result of co-operation between the Nature Park Medvednica and the Croatian Biospeleo-logical Society. Restriction of tourist visits during bat hibernation was introduced in 2003 and a bat-friendly gate was built in 2006, with annual bat monitoring started in 2007. In the cave 18 bat species have been recorded until now. The cave is an important hibernation site for 8 bat species: Myotis bythii, M. daubentonii, M. emarginatus, M. myotis, M. nattereri, Rhinolophus hipposideros, R. euryale and R. ferrumequinum and an important summer roost for R. euryale and Miniopterus schreibersii. Winter monitoring is performed every year and includes two counts in January and February. The numbers of Lesser Horseshoe Bats in winter increased from 6 individuals in 1996 to 437 in 2013, and the trend shows significant exponential growth. This is probably related both to the restriction of touristic visits in the winter time and changes in cave gating from solid doors to horizontal bars. There are also reports from Czech Republic and Slovenia on growth in numbers of Lesser Horseshoe Bats with similar trends in some caves. Therefore we suspect that this increase in lesser horseshoe bat numbers may be a consequence of bat- friendly cave mana-gement and possibly reflect the bats‟ social learning.

Miniopterus schreibersii is a cave-dwelling species, which is well suited for phylogeographic investigations at a large geographic scale, because of its subcos- mopolitan distribution and it consisting of lower taxa, many of which have been elevated to species level recently. In this study, 496 samples that were collected from the entire range of M. schreibersii were analyzed using nuclear microsatellite markers to investigate the taxonomy, evolutionary history and conservation of the species. In this way, the phylogeography of the species was examined in detail, across its whole global distribution area, in order to expand the existing knowledge of its phylogeographic history significantly and to provide the necessary validation of the studies that only made use of the mitochondrial markers. The examination of these nuclear loci confirmed the findings of previous studies and provided a more complete picture of the species‟ genetic distribution. Significant differentiations of the nuclear DNA were detected between 10 regions, North Africa, Lebanon, Cyprus, Anatolia, Russia, Thrace- Balkans, Slovakia, Italy, France, and Iberia, where the sample populations were located. This study also confirms the pattern of local differentiation previously detected in mitochondrial DNA.

Krk Island is located in the northern Adriatic Sea and is fairly close to the Croatian mainland with which it is connected since 1980 by a 1, 430 metre long bridge. During past research 11 bat species were recorded on the island of Krk: Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis blythii, M. capaccinii, M. emarginatus, Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. kuhlii, Rhinolophus blasii, R. euryale, R. ferrumequinum and R. hipposideros. In July 2012 a bat inventory of the Njivice lake area was conducted using mist netting, echolocation recording and roost search. The only mist netted species was a juvenile female Myotis daubentonii which has been recorded in the vicinity in the nearby area of the town of Rijeka on the Croatian mainland (dana older than 50 years). Myotis capaccinii was recorded on the island of Krk for the first time in the autumn migration during 2007 in the area of the Vrbničko polje tunnels, and we also confirmed the species in July 2012. Lake Njivice is exceptionally rich in biodiversity. It is one of the 2 major water reservoirs on the island and is surrounded by a highly structured mosaic of habitats: dense stands of shrubs, woodland, wet and dry grassland and pastures. Various types of woodland habitat (oak, old willow forests, hornbeam) may support roosting demands of M. daubentonii whereas M. capaccinii depends on underground roosts. Two large freshwater bodies (Lake Njivice and Ponikve) approximately 10 km apart, support the hunting habitat of both species. The findings of M. daubentonii and M. capaccinii are around 10 km apart and there is still more research needed to confirm species overlap on the island. The island of Krk is the only island in Croatia with confirmed recording of M. daubentonii.

Obzirom na malu efektivnu veličinu populacije, prisutnost parenja u srodstvu te male brojnosti potrebno je u sljedećih nekoliko godina dodati nove jedinke u dinarsku populaciju risa u suradnji sa susjednim državama kako bi se osigurao opstanak populacije.

The isolation of populations in the Iberian, the Italian and the Balkan peninsulas during the ice ages define four main paradigms that explain the distribution of intraspecific genetic diversity in Europe, though not without exceptions. In this study we investigated the phylogeography of a wide-spread bat species, the bent-winged bat, Miniopterus schreibersii around the Mediterranean basin and the Caucasus. Samples were collected from 28 new locations in 14 countries, and combined with previous data from four countries. We also undertook an environmental niche modeling (ENM) analysis, for predicting the current and past continental distribution of the species during the last glacial maximum (LGM). The genetics results indicate that populations of M. schreibersii in Europe went extinct and the continent was repopulated from Anatolia after the end of the LGM. The data show signatures of a gradual geographic expansion, as well as philopatric distributions of individual populations. In the Maghrebian region of North Africa, there is evidence for the presence of a new Miniopterus species (Miniopterus maghrebensis) occurring sympatrically with the nominotypic form, which we describe here for the first time. However, the fossil record in Iberia and the ENM results indicate continuous presence of Miniopterus in this peninsula that most probably was related to the Mahgrebian lineage during the LGM, but did not persist after the LGM. Combined with similar results from previous studies, we define a new paradigm that involves the recolonization of all of Europe from Anatolia. The study shows how genetics and ENM approaches can complement each other in providing a more detailed picture of intraspecific evolution of species.

Javna ustanova Nacionalnog parka Krka objavila je knjigu monografskog tipa Tajne podzemlja. Osnovu knjige čine speleološki i biospeleološki aspekti špilja i jama područja Parka i bliže okolice. Osim toga, dan je pregled geografskih, geoloških i hidrogeoloških obilježja područja, povijesti istraživanja te pregled arheozooloških i arheoloških nalaza iz dvije špilje. Veći dio teksta i fotografija rezultat je desetljeća terenskih istraživanja brojnih speleoloških društava, prvenstveno SO HPK Sv. Mihovila što se tiče speleologije te HBSD-a što se tiče biospeleologije. Speleološki objekti i špiljska fauna predstavljeni su osnovnim tekstualnim podacima i fotografijama, a objavljeni su i nacrti svih 80 obrađenih objekata.

First biological research of deep pits in the Northern Velebit area started in 1992 with discovery of the cave system Lukina jama – Trojama. It is the deepest pit of the Dinaric Karst (-1421 m), situated in the Northern Velebit National Park. From its entrance zone to the 320 m of depth it is filled with ice and snow and therefore not suitable for the majority of cave- dwelling fauna. The temperature range (measured in 2010) gradually increases from bellow 0°C (entrance) to 4, 9°C (depth of 1381 m). Deepest part of the pit reaches phreatic zone which is explored up to 40 m in depth. During high water stands water can rise more than 100 m. Altogether 29 taxa are recorded in Lukina jama – Trojama cave system, 20 troglobionts (Gastropoda 1 ; Palpigrada 1 ; Acari 2 ; Opiliones 2 ; Pseudoscorpiones 1 ; Isopoda 2 ; Chilopoda 1 ; Diplopoda 1 ; Collembola 5 ; Diplura 1 ; Coleoptera 3) ; 7 stygobionts (Porifera 1 ; Bivalvia 1 ; Hirudinea 1 ; Polychaeta 1 ; Amphipoda 2 ; Decapoda 1) ; 1 tentative troglophile (Diptera) and 1 trogloxene (Chiroptera). Almost total absence of troglophiles can be explained with low temperatures in the entrance parts of the pit. The number of collected specimens of most taxa is extremely low considering the collection effort. In total 16 troglobionts and 2 stygobionts found in the cave system are endemic for Velebit Mt. and Lika region. However, several troglobionts recorded in deep pits only few kilometers away from Lukina jama – Trojama have not been found (Hirudinea 1 ; Araneae 2 ; Pseudoscorpiones 1 ; Isopoda 1 ; Collembola 1 ; Coleoptera 1). Along with a species of Coleoptera adapted to hygropetric habitat, extremely troglomorphic representatives of Collembola and Isopoda terrestria were found. In comparison to the world's deepest subterranean community from Krubera – Voronja cave (Western Caucasus), Lukina jama - Trojama has higher species richness (29 vs. 16 taxa) probably as a result of more frequent collection effort but also biogeographical position. The vertical distribution of species richness is different where the highest number of collected taxa in Voronja-Krubera is in the entrance zone (60 m deep) and in Lukina jama – Trojama in a chamber at 1000 m depth. About half of the taxa collected in Lukina jama – Trojama are still undescribed, including several new genera, but more specimens are needed for the taxonomical studies.

Ulazi u duboke jame Hrvatske nalaze se na visokim nadmorskim visinama od preko 1000 m. Prosječne godišnje temperature tih područja vrlo su niske, jednako kao i temperature u gornjim dijelovima speleoloških objekata, a sami objekti često su puni snijega i leda. Takvi uvjeti staništa ne odgovaraju većini podzemnih vrsta. Temperatura uglavnom raste s povećanjem dubine, kao i količina vode, pa je stoga najzanimljivija fauna pronađena na većim dubinama. Prilikom biospeleoloških istraživanja sifona na dnu Lukina jama-Trojama sustava pronađena je izuzetno interesantna populacija spužvi (Porifera). U sifonu je primijećena špiljska kozica (Decapoda), koja najvjerojatnije pripada rodu Troglocaris, a pronađena je i populacija dinarskog špiljskog školjkaša Congeria kusceri (Bivalvia). U dubokim jamama Hrvatske, prema preliminarnim DNA analizama, osim velebitske pijavice Croatobranchus mestrovi žive i druge vrste pijavica (Hirudinea). U Lubuškoj jami 2009. godine iz jezera s dna (-508m) sakupljeno je par primjerka te se najvjerojatnije radi o novoj vrsti. Ulaz u Lubušku jamu nalazi se svega 500-tinjak metara zračne linije od ulaza Lukine jame što znači da na vrlo malom području najvjerojatnije žive dvije vrste podzemnih pijavica. Od grinja (Acari) u jamskom sustavu Velebita utvrđeni su troglomorfni predstavnici rodova Rhagidia i Nicoletiella, vjerojatno nove svojte za znanost. Od lažipauka (Opiliones), u jamskom sustavu Lukina jama-Trojama te jamskom sustavu Velebita nađene su nove svojte špiljskih kapljičavaca iz roda Cyphophthalmus, i lažipauci iz roda Hadzinia, srodni vrsti H. karamani. Od pauka (Araneae), najzanimljiviji su nalazi iz porodice šesterookaca (Dysderidae), za jamu Meduzu i jamski sustav Velebita koji predstavljaju najvjerojatnije novi špiljski rod, a u Slovačkoj jami proneđena je ženka iz roda Stalita. Od lažištipavaca (Pseudoscorpiones), u Slovačkoj jami nađena je vrsta Neobisium svetovidi, dok je u jami Olimp uz ovu, nađena i vrsta N. stygium. Od kopnenih jednakonožnih rakova (Isopoda) učestala je nova vrsta roda Alpioniscus, poznata iz desetak jama na sjevernom Velebitu. Najznačajniji je nalaz iz Lukine jame - Trojame te je riječ o novom rodu iz porodice Trichoniscidae. Dvojenoge (Diplopoda) dubokih jama Velebita uglavnom su zastupljene s troglobiontnom i endemičnom vrstom Haasia stenopodium. Od faune striga (Chilopoda) zabilježen je samo jedan nalaz, u jamskom sustavu Lukina jama – Trojama. Radi se o juvenilnom pripadniku reda Geophilomorpha kod koje je izražena troglomorfnost, te je vjerojatno nova svojta. Iz skupine skokuna (Collembola) pronađene su čak četiri nove svojti za znanost: Disparrhopalites sp. nov., Parisotoma sp. nov Tritomurus sp. nov. te novi rod iz porodice Isotomidae. Posebni značaj dubokih jama je pojava zone higropetrika kao staništa. U tom miljeu obitavaju vrste špiljskih kornjaša iz porodice Cholevidae koji imaju posebno prilagođenim usnim aparatom za traženje hrane u tankom filmu vode i vlažnim dijelovima jamskih zidova. Na Sj. Velebitu zastupljeni s vrstom Velebitodromus smidai, opisana iz Slovačke jame, a nađena još i u Lukinoj jami i jami Velebita. Druga vrsta špiljskog higropetrika je Croatodirus casalei, koja je jedino do sada nađena u Slovačkoj jami. Od faune šišmiša (Chiroptera) u Lukinoj jami – Trojami je na dubini od 980 m sa očuvanog cijelog kostura sakupljena čitava lubanja oštrouhog šišmiša, Myotis bylthii. Ista vrsta zabilježena je i u Slovačkoj jami u kojoj je potvrđena i prisutnost velikog šišmiša Myotis myotis. Veliki broj novih svojti za znanost ukazuje na gotovo potpunu neistraženost staništa dubokih jama. Taksonomske analize i opisi pojedinih svojti su u tijeku, često u suradnji s inozemnim stručnjacima.

Europe is probably the continent in which the glacial phylogeography of species have been investigated the most thoroughly. Until now, three main refugia have been identified in Europe, one in the Iberian Peninsula, one in Italy and the third one in the Balkans. In this study, we investigated the phylogeographic history of Miniopterus schreibersii (the bent- winged bat) in Europe and Anatolia using mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequences. New samples collected from Spain, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Albania and Crete (Greece) were combined with previous published data from Portugal, Bulgaria, Greece (mainland) and Turkey for a comprehensive analysis. The results indicated a very shallow differentiation in Europe, with the highest diversity being found in the Balkans. The results also suggest that the rest of Europe was most probably populated from a Balkans refugium and the populations in the Iberian Peninsula likely went extinct. Further sampling from Italy will be necessary, to determine the fate of the populations in this refugial peninsula. This absence of large genetic differences within Europe contrasts with the recent phylogeographic work on Miniopterus schreibersii in Anatolia indicating mitochondrial, nuclear and morphological differentiation of parapatric populations, resulting in a suggested elevation of the subspecies M. s. pallidus to species level.

The Bat Research Group of the Biology Students Association – “BIUS” conducted additionalfield research of bat fauna in the Paklenica National Park, Croatia in the period between 15–20 August 2009. Considering former substantial results from the 2008 surveys, as well as high abundance and biodiversity of bat fauna in Paklenica NP, this field research was conducted in the summer of 2009, with special emphasis on altitude distribution. The aim was to determine unrecorded bat species for the Park by now and to detect potential differences in the bat fauna at different altitudes, as well as corresponding habitats. The survey was conducted by setting up mist nets on four research points near water at different altitudes in different habitats (380 m, 480m, 680m and 1230m above sea level). As a result, out of 12 bat species recorded two wereregistered for the first time for the Paklenica National Park (Myotis bechsteinii, Miniopterus schreibersii). Most of the captures at the 380 m altitude corresponds to Hypsugo savii (59%, 39 individuals). This species capture percentage declines with increasing altitude and at the 1253 m altitude it wasn’t mistnetted. At 480 m altutude, most of the capture (73%, 46 individuals) corresponds to Nyctalus noctula while at the altitude 676 m the majority (62%, 27 individuals) corresponds to Nyctalus leisleri. Myotis myotis was recorded only at 1253 m above sea level at the same time being the majority of the catch (40%, 10 individuals).

The summer colony of two bat species enhabits the entrance part of the Veternica cave, a popular touristical destination of the Medvednica Nature park in Croatia. The monitoring of the size and status of the colony in the period of 6 months, from early spring until early autumn only confirmed a maternity status of the Rhinolophus euryale colony. Despite microclimatic conditions in the cave being suitable for both species, the sensitivity of the Miniopterus schreibersii to visitor disturbance mightcause the speciesto deserts the roost at the critical time just prior togiving birth. Suggestions are made to modify the monitoring programme and cave management to minimise the effects of disturbance on the bats.

Veternica Cave located in the vicinity of the Croatian capitol Zagreb is managed by the Nature Park Medvednica. The cave is open for tourists. In order to minimize bat disturbance Nature Park ordered 2-year research from the Croatian Biospeleological Society that was conducted from the end of 2003. till mid 2005. In the Veternica Cave 17 bat species have been recorded by now. Recent researches confirmed the presence of 13 bat species while during this project 12 bat species have been recorded. The cave is important hibernation site for 8 bat species: Myotis blythii, M. daubentonii, M. emarginatus, M. myotis, M. nattereri, Rhinolophus hipposideros, Rh. euryale and Rh. ferrumequinum that is in accordance with previous research. Occasionally, the cave is used by 4 more bat species during hibernation: Barbastella barbastellus, Eptesicus serotinus, Plecotus macrobullaris and M. bechsteinii. The cave is an important summer roost for 2 bats species: Miniopterus schreibersii and Rh. euryale. For the roost protection special bat friendly doors were constructed after project was finished. The maximum number of Rh. ferrumequinum decreased approximately 40% in the last 10 years. In this research we found only solitary individuals of Rh. euryale, which counted 130 individuals 10 years ago. The number of hibernating Rh. hipposideros bats increased 4 times. Compared to research undertaken 50 years ago the number of bats in the Min. schreibersii summer roost increased several times, while the numbers of bats in Rh. euryale bat summer roost stayed the same. A short-term influence of visitors on the cave temperature has been recorded. Nature Park Medvednica can use description of bat ecology, main characteristics used for bat determination, wing design of different species, photo and video material in educational/promotional purposes and for bat monitoring. This is the first cave in Croatia officially closed for visits during bat hibernation.

One of the biggest nurseries of the Longfingered Bat in Europe inhabits Miljacka II Cave in the Krka National Park, Croatia. The number of bats estimated by tally counters and on photo images counts about 6000 individuals. The bats use the cave from May till the end of October. Although other 6 more bat species use the cave during the same period of time the interspecies spatial distribution is not overlapping. Pregnant Longfingered bat females group in the cave in late April/early May while during late May/early June they deliver their young. The lactation continues till mid/end of July. The droppings of bats were collected every 15 days from May till October 2000 from beneath the colony applying special netted stool. Overall 309 bat droppings were analyzed. The seasonal differences in diet composition as well as diet differences during pregnancy/lactation were established using frequency analysis. The overall diet consisted mainly of aquatic insects belonging to Trichoptera and Chironomidae. The exception is October during which prevail Chironomidae and Lepidoptera. In the prey are also recorded some Aranae that bats may have collected from the water surfaces or spider nets while commuting to the nearby river. Other Insects recorded in the diet were Ephemeroptera, Odonata (Zygoptera), Plecoptera, Orthoptera (Ensifera – Tetigonidae), Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae, Anthicidae), Diptera (Nematocera – Tipulidae, Mycetophilidae, Cecidomydae, Limoniidae, Simulidae, Culicidae, Sciaridae), Brachycera, Hymenoptera (Symphita – Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Chalcididae, Formicidae) and Homoptera (Aphididae, Psyllidae, Cercopidae).

One of the biggest nurseries of the Longfingered Bat in Europe inhabits Miljacka II Cave in the Krka National Park, Croatia. The number of bats estimated by tally counters and on photo images counts about 6000 individuals. The bats use the cave from May till the end of October. Although other 6 more bat species use the cave during the same period of time the interspecies spatial distribution is not overlapping. Pregnant Longfingered bat females group in the cave in late April/early May while during late May/early June they deliver their young. The lactation continues till mid/end of July. The droppings of bats were collected every 15 days from May till October 2000 from beneath the colony applying special netted stool. Overall 309 bat droppings were analyzed. The seasonal differences in diet composition as well as diet differences during pregnancy/lactation were established using frequency analysis. The overall diet consisted mainly of aquatic insects belonging to Trichoptera and Chironomidae. The exception is October during which prevail Chironomidae and Lepidoptera. In the prey are also recorded some Aranae that bats may have collected from the water surfaces or spider nets while commuting to the nearby river. Other Insects recorded in the diet were Ephemeroptera, Odonata (Zygoptera), Plecoptera, Orthoptera (Ensifera – Tetigonidae), Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae, Anthicidae), Diptera (Nematocera – Tipulidae, Mycetophilidae, Cecidomydae, Limoniidae, Simulidae, Culicidae, Sciaridae), Brachycera, Hymenoptera (Symphita – Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Chalcididae, Formicidae) and Homoptera (Aphididae, Psyllidae, Cercopidae).

Na području NP «Krka» razvijen je velik broj podzemnih krških fenomena, špilja i jama. Većina speleoloških objekata koji se nalaze neposredno uz rijeku Krku sadržava akumulacije vode, hidrološki je aktivna i vezana uz hidrološki režim rijeke. U njima obitavaju kopnena, troglobiontna, i vodena, stigobiontna, špiljska fauna. Biospeleološka istraživanja područja NP «Krka» započinju relativno kasno, šezdesetih godina 20. stoljeća. Nekoliko speleoloških objekata predstavljaju tipska nalazišta predstavnika špiljske faune. Tako je iz Špilje kod mlina na Miljacki (Miljacka IV) opisana podvrsta vodenbabure Monolistra pretneri spinulosa, a iz krškog izvora na području Skradinskog buka rod stigobiontnog pužića Dalmatella s tipskom vrstom D. sketi. Iz istog izvora opisana je još jedna vrsta stigobiontnog pužića – Lanzaia skradinensis. Druga vrsta roda Dalmatella, D. miljackae, navedena za Špilju kod mlina na Miljacki nikada nije opisana. Novijom analizom utvrđeno je da nema osnove za opis nove vrste, već da se radi o poznatoj vrsti D. sketi. Objekti sa stalnim akumulacijama vode posebno su značajni kao stanište čovječje ribice (Proteus anguinus), a u Jami nasuprot Torka utvrđena je kolonija špiljskog cjevaša marifugije (Marifugia cavatica). U nekim objektima utvrđena je bogata fauna šišmiša (Chiroptera), a u špilji Miljacka II ističe se kolonija dugonogog šišmiša (Myotis capaccinii) s više od 6 000 jedinki. Sustavna biospeleološka istraživanja područja NP «Krka» započinju početkom 2005. godine suradnjom Javne ustanove «Nacionalni park Krka» i Hrvatskog biospeleološkog društva. Uz osnovna biospeleološka istraživanja, provode se fotografsko i video snimanje podzemnih staništa i špiljske faune. Ovim istraživanjem utvrđena je bogata kopnena i vodena špiljska fauna, osobito predstavnici puževa (Gastropoda), jednakonožnih rakova (Isopoda), lažištipavaca (Pseudoscorpiones), pauka (Araneae) i kornjaša (Coleoptera). Uz nove predstavnike špiljske faune za područje NP «Krka», utvrđene su, najvjerojatnije, nove svojte za znanost.

Uz uvod o raznolikosti, endemičnosti i stupnju ugroženosti sisavaca Hrvatske, područjima vrijednim posebne zaštite i postupku procjene ugroženosti, redom je pregledno obrađeno (autorska poglavlja) 8 izumrlih vrsta, 15 ugroženih vrsta uz jednu otočnu populaciju, te 18 potencijalno ugroženih. Knjiga donosi dosta novih znanstvenih podataka, a po prvi puta i točnije karte rasprostranjenja. Na kraju je i popis vrsta sisavaca zabilježenih u Hrvatskoj.

Miniopterus schreibersii and Rhinolophus euryale are considered as priority species for autecological studies according to UNEP/Eurobats. In Croatia all bat species are legally protected. In the Croatian Red List (2004) M. schreibersii is in the EN category and R. euryale in the VU category. Research on both species started in 2003 in the Veternica Cave near the town of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. The nursery of both species with ca 500 individuals uses the unprotected, warmest part of the cave. Although the cave is under the authority of Medvednica Nature Park, the bats are often disturbed since it is very close to the capital and guided tour is encouraged. The path leading to one of the popular tourist spots passes by the cave and bats may easily be disturbed. A data logger measuring the temperature and relative humidity every 5 minutes is located in the part used by bats. The bats usually start to use the cave in June and depending on the weather they may stay there until late October. In the year 2003 no young were recorded in the cave, but there were young in the following year. Possible reasons for this may include extensive disturbance by visitors. In this work we present data on current status of both species in Croatia, microclimate measurements, wing design of traced individuals and a proposal for using grills that would restrict disturbance of bats by visitors for the protection of that part of the cave.

The Veternica Cave is open for visitors and run by the Medvednica Nature Park. It is located near Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and is one of the key bat spots for the northwestern part of Croatia. The total length of the cave passages is nearly 7, 000 m with very different microclimate conditions. The first 400 m are accessible for tourists and are under the influence of external climate. There have been 14 bat species recorded until now. Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Rh. euryale form winter colonies and Rh. euryale and Miniopterus schreibersii use the cave as summer roost. Myotis daubentonii, M. nattereri, M. emarginatus, M. myotis, M. blythii and Rh. hipposideros are found in crevices or on cave walls throughout the winter mainly as solitary individuals in colder parts of the cave. During very cold weather the cave provides a valuable shelter for M. bechsteinii, Eptesicus serotinus, Barbastella barbastellus and Plecotus spp. In the winter of 2004, Plecotus macrobullaris was recorded in the cave and that part of Croatia in general, for the first time. Data loggers measuring temperature and humidity at 5 minute intervals are set at 5 sites on the cave walls. Temperature, humidity and wind speed were measured near individual bats. Data on microclimate preferences of different bat species are discussed and compared with data from research conducted in winter of 1995/1996. A significant decrease in the number of R. ferrumequinum and R. euryale has been noted and recommendations for bat conservation through sustainable cave management are offered.

Dugonogi šišmiš (Myotis capaccinii) jedan je od sedam najugroženijih europskih vrsta šišmiša, a o biologiji vrste ima malo podataka. Jedna od najvećih poznatih porodiljskih kolonija ove vrste nalazi se u spilji Miljacka II, u Nacionalnom parku Krka. Temelj za ekološko istraživanje bilo koje vrste šišmiša podreda Microchiroptera predstavlja poznavanje akustične ekologije i letne morfologije. Snimanje eholokacije ove vrste provedeno je u srpnju 2000. godine. Eholokacija je snimana prilikom izlaska šišmiša iz spilje Miljacka II u noćni lov, prilikom leta kroz gustu vegetaciju, prilikom hranjenja nad rijekom Krkom te prilikom ispuštanja šišmiša iz ruku. Analizirane su četiri spektralne i tri temporalne veličine po zvučnom signalu snimljenom u navedenim situacijama. Ocrtana su krila životinja uhvaćenih u spilji Miljacka II od svibnja do listopada 2000. godine, od čega je obrađeno ukupno 130 jedinki za određivanje načina leta i teoretskih brzina leta. U ovom radu: 1) opisujem i uspoređujem eholokacijske zvučne signale vrste M. capaccinii u različitom tipu akustičnog staništa i različitim ekološkim situacijama te ih uspoređujem s literaturnim podacima za europske vrste šišmiša slične ekologije – vrste M. daubentonii i M. dasycneme 2) opisujem teoretski način leta ove vrste prema letnoj morfologiji vrste 3) raspravljam značaj rezultata za zaštitu ove visoko ugrožene vrste.

Annual Report of Croatia: Status of bats with list of resident species, Threatened species, Review of known habitats and roost sites, Threats, Measures taken to implementation, Functioning of the Agreement

Opisane su razlike u načinu hibernacije velikog i južnog topira obzirom na lokaciju u spilji Veternici, brojnost jedinki u koloniji te izgled kolonije. Izmjereni su mikroklimatski parametri (temperatura i relativna vlaga) kontinuirano i uz same šišmiše tijekom zime 1995/96. godinu.