Consistent Choice of Prey Source Habitat Across Diverse Landscapes by a Selective Insectivorous Bat.

Abstract

The greater horseshoe bat is a widely distributed cave-dwelling Palaearctic species that forms large colonies in its core distribution areas. Thanks to its size and diverse diet, it plays a crucial role as an insectivorous predator, of utmost importance in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Despite being extensively studied in the 20th century, its trophic ecology remains incomplete, as most studies have primarily focused on the species' northern distribution and have relied solely on morphological analyses of fecal remains. Thus, using metabarcoding methods, we analyzed the seasonal dietary changes of three maternity colonies in the Northern Iberian Peninsula, a core area of the bat's distribution range, across various landscapes, levels of urbanization, and climates. We identified significant spatial and temporal differences in diet, particularly noting a stronger reliance on riparian habitats in Mediterranean areas. The species exhibits great ecological adaptability with strong plasticity in prey source habitats, shifting preferences among forests, riparian habitats, shrubs, and grasslands. Our results emphasize the importance of preserving these habitats for conservation management purposes.