RESEARCH PAPER
Stormwater ponds along major roads enhance bat species richness and activity
 
More details
Hide details
1
University of Siedlce
 
 
Online publication date: 2025-06-22
 
 
Corresponding author
Artur Goławski   

University of Siedlce
 
 
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Road infrastructure significantly impacts ecosystems, with road-associated environmental changes posing challenges to biodiversity conservation. However, certain elements of road infrastructure may offer unintended ecological benefits. In this study, we assessed the role of stormwater ponds located along motorways and expressways in eastern Poland as habitats for bats. We compared bat species richness and echolocation activity between sites with (38) and without (33) these artificial water bodies. Bats were detected at 83.1% of the surveyed sites, with six species recorded, the most common being Cnephaeus serotinus and Nyctalus noctula. Species richness and echolocation activity were both positively associated with pond surface area, while other habitat variables had no significant effect. The results suggest that stormwater ponds may enhance bat presence by providing drinking water, increased insect abundance, and open foraging space. Nevertheless, such ponds may also pose risks due to their proximity to roads, potentially creating ecological traps and increasing the likelihood of bat–vehicle collisions. Future research should evaluate mortality rates, seasonal dynamics, insect availability, and water quality to better understand the dual role of stormwater ponds as both resources and potential hazards. Our study highlights the importance of integrating artificial water bodies into conservation planning to enhance biodiversity within road-dominated landscapes.
eISSN:1825-5272
ISSN:0394-1914
Journals System - logo
Scroll to top