Bat activity in coniferous forest areas land the impact of air pollution

This study concerns comparison of bat activity in five mixed coniferous forest areas, exposed to different degree of air pollution. Forest age at every study plot was 70-100 years. The main census method was the detection of ultrasound signals along line transects. A significant difference was found in bat diversity and activity between these areas. Median flight activity varied between 21 flights/1 control (Biebrza Valley) and I flight/1 control (Upper Silesia). The largest bat diversity was found at the less disturbed and less polluted forests in Bialowieza Primeval Forest and Biebrza Valley, the lowest was recorded at the Upper Silesia region in South-West Poland, the area of highest impact of heavy industry. The possible reasons for these results are analyzed and discussed.