Overview
- The Global Ecology and Conservation paper reports the first systematic documentation in urban Europe of Rattus norvegicus preying on hibernating bats.
- Cameras at Segeberg and Lüneburg-Kalkberg recorded aerial interceptions of swarming bats as well as ground attacks on landed individuals.
- At Segeberg, researchers filmed 13 kills and cataloged 52 carcasses inside the cave, with a second cache found near Lüneburg-Kalkberg.
- Analysis of 2021–2024 surveillance suggests a colony of about 15 rats could remove roughly 7% of the approximately 30,000 bats wintering at Segeberg.
- The authors recommend targeted invasive-rodent management at key hibernacula as part of a One Health strategy to protect biodiversity and public health.