Research and Conservation of Bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in the Plovdiv City Urban Area: Current State and Future Perspectives

The city of Plovdiv has suitable conditions for wildlife due to the presence of a large river and some seminatural and natural habitats. Abundant bat fauna with 20 species is observed within the city limits. Bats could be found roosting in parks and rock crevices, as well as near residential buildings. The presence of numerous bat colonies in close proximity to a large human settlement would inevitably lead to conflicts. In this article, we present the current state of the bat research in Plovdiv, the threats they face, and the current efforts towards their conservation. The major threats to bat populations in Plovdiv are roost destruction, disturbance, and injuries. Currently, the main efforts towards bat conservation are focused on information campaigns and to a lesser extent - physical removal and rehabilitation of threatened bats. We suggest that further actions such as the establishment of a rescue team, frequent monitoring, installation of bat-friendly structures in buildings, and better coordination between institutions should be taken to increase the tolerance and ensure the safe co-inhabitancy between bats and humans in Plovdiv.