Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior have uncovered new insights into the migratory behavior of common noctule bats, revealing that they navigate long distances by riding warm storm fronts across Europe. The study involved tracking 71 female noctule bats during their spring migration using ultra-light sensors that function like cellular devices, enabling real-time data transmission over extensive distances. This innovative technology has illuminated previously unclear aspects of bat migration, showing that these bats can travel nearly 400 kilometers in a single night and do not follow a fixed corridor but disperse widely across landscapes.
The bats tend to depart on nights characterized by dropping air pressure and rising temperatures, efficiently harnessing warm tailwinds for less energy expenditure. This finding indicates that, similar to birds, bats also utilize environmental conditions to aid their migratory journeys. The research has significant implications for conservation, particularly in preventing collisions with wind turbines, as understanding migration patterns could inform protective measures. Overall, this groundbreaking study opens avenues for further exploration into bat migration, shedding light on behaviors that have remained largely enigmatic until now.
