Rare Pond Bat Discovered in Saxon Switzerland - Rare pond bat rediscovered in Saxony's Swiss National Park after years of silence

A rare bat species, the pond bat, one of Germany's most endangered, has been spotted again in Saxony's Swiss National Park. The bat was recently observed in its winter roost near Schmilka, with researchers and local volunteers confirming its presence after years of monitoring.

The pond bat was first recorded in Saxon Switzerland in 2020 during a net-capture survey. Last summer, its high-frequency calls were detected in the same area, proving it had returned. Then, in early February, a conservation specialist and local volunteers found the bat hibernating in a winter roost.

No maternity colony has been discovered yet. But the latest sighting suggests the species may be more widespread than once believed. For over 30 years, the national park and forestry administration has worked with local volunteers to track bat wintering sites, helping document this elusive creature.

The pond bat remains one of the rarest bats in Saxony and across Germany. Its repeated appearances in the national park provide valuable data for environmental conservation. Researchers will continue monitoring the area to learn more about its habits and population size.