An evaluation on the relation of bat and forest

There are 5490 mammal species in the world. Approximately one quarter of them are the bats. The bats use very different habitats to feed, roost and breed. One of the most important habitats, the forests are also used as roosting, resting, breeding and feeding places by bats. In this study, it is aimed to emphasize the importance of the forests for bats and the conservation suggestions regarding the challenges that forests pose for bats. It was stated out that 30 out of 39 bat species in Turkey are directly or indirectly related to the forests. 28 of these 30 species use the forest for feeding and 15 species of them use it as roosting places. It is known that the bats prefer aged trees, loose bark backs, some bird nests, overturned tree logs, tree crevices, cavities and voids formed by various natural processes in the forests. The light traps, detectors, sweep nets and the tracking devices are used to identify the bats and understand their feeding, breeding, hibernation and roosting areas in the forests seasonally. The general threats against the bats in the forests may be summarized as unconscious and uncontrolled tree cuttings, habitat fragmentations, forest fires, chemical pest control, mining activities and establishment of wind turbines. Studies on integration of biological diversity data into the forestry management plans, biological pest control, science-based environmental impact assessment, and public awareness activities are required in order to prevent these problems