Scientists reveal the secret of long-distance migration of bats

Although birds are known for their migrations, a new study has revealed the impressive migratory abilities of bats. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior studied 71 common noctule bats during their spring migrations across Europe.

Using ultra-light ICARUS-TinyFoxBatt sensors (5% of the bat's body weight), the researchers found that the bats use storm fronts and warm tailwinds to save energy during flight. These sensors, which operate through a pan-European network, made it possible to track the bats' movements in real time. This is reported by Interesting Engineering.

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The results of the three-year observation disproved the theory of a single migration corridor - bats move in different ways in a general northeastern direction. The most impressive discovery was the ability of noctules to cover a distance of almost 400 km in one night, which set a new record for flight range.

"The data from the sensors show not only the path of the bats, but also the environmental conditions during their migration, which helps us understand their decisions during these dangerous journeys," explains researcher Edward Hurme.

Earlier, we told you that a man discovered the remains of an Ice Age mastodon near his home.

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