Bats hibernate at Chemnitz Zoo
Important contribution to the protection of native species
Bats spend the winter on the grounds of Chemnitz Zoo. The zoo thus makes an important contribution to the conservation of native animal species. For this reason, the tunnels that run under the so-called Huftierberg in the zoo, i.e. in the area around the Bactrian camel enclosure, under the deer and mountain animal enclosures, are checked every winter. The original function and former use of the old tunnels are not known.
In order to create better conditions for the bats, bricks were attached to the ceilings of these vaulted passages. They particularly like to hide there and hibernate. The populations of some bat species are also increasing again thanks to these hibernacula.
All bat species native to Germany are protected as their populations are highly endangered. The main reason for this is the destruction of their natural habitats through intensive agriculture and forestry. But the decline in their food sources also threatens the bats. The diet of native bat species consists exclusively of insects, whose numbers are also declining at an alarming rate. Bat conservation therefore always means insect conservation.
The zoo is also committed to this, for example with an insect hotel and flowering meadows. Ultimately, insects are also responsible for the fact that bats hibernate in our latitudes from the beginning of November to the end of March. Insects are forced to make themselves scarce in colder temperatures. Their body temperature is heavily dependent on the ambient temperature. If it drops, insects fall into a state of cold or hibernation. An endogenous antifreeze ensures that the animals do not freeze to death. Some species can even withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. Other cold-blooded animals such as arachnids and snails also hibernate in the tunnels below the zoo.
Chemnitz Zoo is not only home to around 250 predominantly exotic animal species, but is also an important habitat for native animals. It offers food sources and undisturbed winter quarters at this time of year, which are unfortunately becoming increasingly scarce in modern urban habitats.
www.tierpark-chemnitz.de
Please note:
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