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Rats as carnivorous hunters: bat population in danger!
In Segeberg, biologists film how rats hunt bats. Deadly attacks could also pose health risks to people.
Rats as carnivorous hunters: bat population in danger!
In recent weeks, biologists have made astonishing observations in Segeberg's Kalkberg Cave. Using infrared lamps and light barriers connected to infrared cameras, more than 30 attacks by brown rats on bats were documented. These attacks are not just a short-term phenomenon; Biologists assume that thousands of bats die senselessly every year at the hands of these voracious rodents. 13 of these raids were fatal for the bats, and the rats were found to eat the killed animals. Bat carcasses were also found in the Lüneburg Kalkberg, which indicate similar activities.
The hunting strategies of brown rats are as fascinating as they are disturbing. When they attack, the rats wait at the entrance to the bats' winter quarters and intercept them in flight. They have also developed a second method in which they attack resting or landed bats with lightning speed and grab them with their forelegs. “Such an effective prey capture technique is astonishing and frightening at the same time,” the researchers note. Statistics show that even a small rat colony would be able to prey on up to 7% of the 30,000 bats that hibernate there annually.
Focus on disease risks
Rats' attacks on bats could also have implications for human health. Bats are known to be reservoir hosts for various viruses. If rats become infected with pathogens through their consumption, they could then introduce them into urban environments. There is currently no direct evidence of health risks, but biologists urgently recommend controlling rat populations in cities. Targeted control of brown rats in the bats' winter quarters could not only protect the endangered species, but also reduce potential health risks.
So far, no concrete action has been taken to combat the rat population at cave entrances, but pressure on decision-makers is growing. As in many urban areas, controlling wildlife populations is a challenge that must be addressed thoughtfully.
Further developments and digital possibilities
The news is rounded off by online applications for developments in Brisbane, which shows that transparency and accessibility are also being promoted in real estate development. Real estate applications have been searchable since January 1, 2004 - good news for those interested.
Each of these developments, be it from the caves of Segeberg or digital space, contributes to the living narrative of our living environment. By recognizing both the challenges and the opportunities, we can better understand what is happening around us right now.
You can find out more about rats and bats in the article by scinexx. Information about property applications in Brisbane is on developmenti.brisbane available. And you can see the news from Microsoft about the Copilot app on office.com read up.