Recently, a bat amazed scientists worldwide by covering an impressive distance of over 2,000 km from London to the Pskov region in northwestern Russia. Dubbed the “Olympian bat,” this winged creature’s journey has piqued the interest of climate scientists.
Notable Aspects About the Olympian Bat
This bat belongs to the Nathusius’ pipistrelle species. Its journey is remarkable for being the longest one ever undertaken by a British bat across Europe. Nathusius’ pipistrelle bats typically weigh less than 10 grams yet can migrate impressive distances. They are known for migrating from their summer breeding grounds in northeastern Europe to warmer areas of the continent where they hibernate in trees and buildings.
Record-Setting Flight and Climate Change Studies
The ‘Olympian’ bat’s record was topped by another bat of the same species that flew from Latvia to Spain in 2019, spanning a distance of 2,224 km. This long-distance travel offers a window for climate scientists to study bat migration and its connection with climate change. Increased variations in climatic extremes could possibly cause bats to emerge from hibernation early or more frequently. To this end, energy depletion could endanger hibernating bats, and also affect the birth and survival rate of pups. Nathusius’ pipistrelle’s expansion is thus linked to climate change, hinting that future climate changes will continue to impact the species.
The National Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Project
In 2014, the Bat Conservation Trust initiated a project named the National Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Project aiming to improve understanding of the ecology and current status of Nathusius’ pipistrelles in Great Britain. It also sought to understand the conservation threats faced by these creatures. One of the project’s goals was to determine the migratory origins of this bat species, which could provide insights into its relationship with climate change. Already, there exists some evidence of birds migrating early due to a warming planet. The IUCN status of Nathusius’ pipistrelle species of bats is listed as of ‘Least concern.’
Understanding Hibernation
Hibernation is an inactive state, akin to deep sleep, used by certain animals in cold climates to survive the winter. During hibernation, the body temperature drops and breathing and heart rates decrease. This survival technique protects animals from the cold and reduces the need for food when it is scarce. Common hibernators include polar bears, rodents, and bats.
Induced Hibernation in Zebrafish – An Example
A recent research study involving zebrafish showed how induced hibernation (torpor) can protect humans from elements, particularly radiation, during space flights. This study adds another dimension to our understanding of hibernation and its potential applications.