Publications/Articles

Bats of the Mascauti Mines: Key Hibernation Sites in the "Orheiul Vechi" Cultural-Natural Reserve

Authors: Vladislav Caldari, Natalia Dibolscaia, Victoria Nistreanu, Alina Larion 

The abandoned mines of Mascauti are located on the left bank of the Raut River (48°09′89″ N, 27°08′96″ E) near Mascauti village, at an elevation of 166 meters above sea level.

The mine entrances lie roughly 120 meters from the river. Five are abandoned, while the remaining active entrances branch across the entire cliff face, forming an interconnected network of openings. The interior is unsecured and publicly accessible, deterred only by the rugged terrain. The main galleries are spacious—measuring 3 to 7 meters in width and 1.5 to 5 meters in height.

In total, 155 bats across eight species were recorded throughout the galleries: Myotis daubentonii accounted for 53.55% of all individuals, Plecotus auritus 15.48%, P. austriacus and Rhinolophus hipposideros 8.39% each, M. bechsteinii 6.45%, Eptesicus serotinus 4.52%, M. dasycneme 1.94%, and M. blythii 1.29%. The dominant species was Daubenton's bat (M. daubentonii), with 83 individuals counted.

The site's rich diversity and relatively high numbers reflect ideal overwintering conditions. While species composition has remained consistent with recent years, overall population levels have declined compared to historical data from the last century.

With the exception of the serotine bat (E. serotinus), every species identified is listed in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Moldova (3rd edition), underscoring the critical importance of protecting these underground roosts.

Understanding the taxonomic makeup of these hibernating communities offers valuable insights into conserving rare and vulnerable species. Protecting and studying these winter habitats is vital for shaping ecological management strategies within the "Orheiul Vechi" Cultural-Natural Reserve and maintaining broader ecosystem balance.

This research was conducted under the MSU subprogram 010701 and the project "Protection of Rare Fauna Species and Tourism Regulation in the Rocky Habitats of the 'Orheiul Vechi' Cultural-Natural Reserve." The project is funded through the "Active Citizens for a Healthy Environment and Green Justice" small grants scheme—part of the "Green Justice for a Protected Environment and Sustainable Communities in the Republic of Moldova" initiative implemented by NGO EcoContact with financial support from Sweden.

Published in: Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference "Nature, Man, History: Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Approaches," Orheiul Vechi, August 14–16, 2026, pp. 114–115, ISBN 978-5-86654-876-7.