New records of bats (Chiroptera) in Abkhazia
In the period from 18 to 24 April 2016, we carried the study of bats fauna in 5 districts of the central and eastern parts of Abkhazia (fig. 1). During the survey in 7 localities 13 species were captured and counted. The greatest number of findings related to Rhinolophus hipposideros, confirming that it common and widely spread on the territory of Abkhazia. The bats were found in buildings, well as in different caves. By the number of finds of Pipistrellus pipistellus in our collections, it is almost not inferior to Rh. hipposideros. As well as previous species, it is the most numerous and widespread in the country. From the list of species of bats of Abkhazia confirmed by us three, who were previously known in the country for a single findings. It was Myotis nattereri, M. daubentonii and P. pygmaeus. These are our records of the last two species indicate the widest possible their distribution in the territory of the republic. Of particular note is catching pregnant females of Barbastella barbastellus. Although that species is one of the most widespread in the region, nursery colonies and pregnant females of B. barbastellus were never mentioned. Our record confirms for the first time reproduction of this species in the Caucasus. During our investigations we also registered Rh. ferrumequinum, M. blythii, Plecotus auritus, Nyctalus noctula, N. leisleri, P. nathusii, Vespertilio murinus.