Geographical distribution, roost selection, and conservation state of cave-dwelling bats in China

Abstract This study was conducted to understand the distribution and roost characteristics of cave-dwelling bats and to identify those sites that are important for the conservation of bat species in China. A total of 129 roosts in four zoogeographic regions in China, 56 of which had not been previously surveyed, were investigated in this 3-year study (2010–2013). Approximately 95,000 bats representing 32 species were recorded, and the results will provide a reference for future bat research. The bat species of central China are the most abundant because a total of 21 species were found in that region. Southwest China had the largest average number of bat species in each roost, whereas southern China had the largest average number of bats in each roost. Natural caves accommodated >57,000 individuals representing 29 bat species, and the average number of bats in each natural cave was 723.1. The general trend in the number of bat species was decreasing with an increase in altitude. At present, few caves have adequate protection, and some bat populations are under serious threat. The data will help local governments develop suitable strategies to promote local tourism while protecting important habitats of animal species.