The importance of forest conservation for the survival of the range-restricted Pipistrellus hanaki , an endemic bat from Crete and Cyrenaica

Mediterranean forests have been exploited by humans for centuries, but their present area and condition have been shaped mostly during the recent decades. Overgrazing resulting from national and EU policies, increasing fires and touristic development have led to the shrinkage of forest, threatening forest species. In this study, we examine the relation of Pipistrellus hanaki , a bat species limited to Cyrenaica, Libya and Crete, with the relict forests of Crete. Radiotracking of males (in autumn) and lactating females (in early summer) showed that P. hanaki uses a range of roost types, but Quercus forest stands and old tree cultivations are largely preferred for foraging, while open areas, young Cupressus stands and Mediterranean maquis are avoided. To unveil larger-scale patterns of habitat suitability by the species, we used Maxent to model its potential distribution on Crete using Chelsa Climatology. The resulted model showed high distribution probability around the mountains of central and western Crete, where native Cupressus, Pinus and Quercus stands are still present, and the climatic conditions are favourable. The strong dependence of this strictly southeast Mediterranean bat on forests and old tree cultivations stresses the need for conservation of these habitat types. In situ forest protection and environmental friendly livestock and farming practices are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of the species in Crete.