LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM CHANGES IN THE BAT COMMUNITY OF THE KATERINSKA CAVE (MORAVIAN KARST) - A FUNDAMENTAL ASSESSMENT

In 1992-1993, the bat community of a natural karst cave (Katerinska ca ve, Moravian Karst) was investigated by means of a regular winter cens us of hibernating bats and of nettings in the cave entrance. In total, 14 species were ascertained. The maximum abundance of the bat communi ty in the cave during hibernation was in late February (25. 2. 93 - 13 6 ind.). The number of bats was lowest in late June and July. The high est intensity of cave visitation occurred in late August and the first half of September, with a minor peak recorded in April. The species c omposition changed markedly during the whole year. The hibernating bat community was characterised by significant dominance of Myotis myotis whereas small Myotis species (especially Myotis daubentoni, M. natter eri, M. emarginatus and M. bechsteini) dominated the spring and autumn catching samples. The Katerinska cave has also been included in long- term monitoring of bat communities in Moravian Karst caves. The change s in numbers of hibernating bats has shown a similar trend to that fou nd in other caves, viz. a strong increase of M. myotis and a weak incr ease of Rhinolophus hipposideros.