Bio-diversity

14, out of 30 European, species of bats are registered in Lithuania. Due to decreasing of forest areas, environmental pollution, drainage of wetlands, reconstruction of old buildings environment is changing very fast. All these factors play a significant role in the decreasing number of bats populations. The objective of the project is to protect hibernating places of bats surroundings of in Vilnius. Practical management of two wintering places will be carried out in bunkers in Silas street and abandoned historical train tunnel in Paneriai. Aims of the project: 1) practical protection of hibernating places of bats from improper behavior of people and to improve hibernating conditions of bats; 2) new research in the place of the project; 3) increasing capacities of environmentalists in the field of bats protection and ecological education; 4) involving local communities into the active protection of bats, promoting cooperation with people, that owned buildings, where bats could be found; 5) raising public awareness about the ecology of bats and promoting protection of these animals. The partner of the project is the administration of Pavilniai and Verkiai regional parks, which together with the State Service for Protected Areas are cofinancers of the project. Other partners are Nordic Council of Ministers and Danish Society for the Conservation of Nature, Environmental division at the Municipality of Vilnius, and a few secondary schools.

Lithuania