Rapid assessment of cave-dwelling bat diversity in the Chebket ES-Sellaoua Mountains (Eastern Algeria)

Information about the ecology and lifestyle of bats (Chiroptera) in Algeria is scarce. In this paper, we present the results of an inventory study of Chiroptera fauna in the Chebket ES-Sellaoua Mountains in Eastern Algeria, conducted between January 2014 and December 2015. Surveys were carried out in 10 caves throughout the region by means of a visual survey and animal captures. Five species were detected: Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus hipposideros, Myotis punicus, Miniopterus schreibersi and Pipistrellus kuhli, belonging to three families: Rhinolophidae, Miniopteridae and Vespertilionidae.