Rare Bat Species Discovered in Troodos Mountains

A large group of the rare-for-Cyprus bat species Rhinolophus euryale was discovered in the Troodos National Forest Park during a winter survey by the Forestry Department. This finding is a positive sign for the survival of the species on the island and highlights the importance of Troodos as a refuge for bats. Rhinolophus euryale is one of the rarest cave-dwelling bat species in Europe and Cyprus is an important part of its habitat. The populations of this species are vulnerable to disturbance and habitat loss. They feed mainly on moths in forest and agricultural environments, and their specialized flight allows them to hunt even in dense vegetation. Their presence is an important indicator of the ecological quality of an area. The species is protected by international and European legislation, such as the IUCN Convention (Status: Near Threatened) and Directive 92/43/EEC. This underlines the need for strict protection measures for their habitats to ensure their long-term survival. This discovery encourages biodiversity conservation efforts in Cyprus and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of bat populations. The species' name, Rhinolophus euryale, comes from Greek mythology and specifically from Euryale, one of the Gorgons.