Rapid population decline of Egyptian fruit bats on Cyprus

Dechmann, D. K. N.; Akre, K. L.; de Wit, L. A.; Kafkaletou Diez, A. G. G.; Mandl, I.; Makridou, Z.; Michael, K.; O'Mara, M. T.; Papastylianou, K.; Wikelski, M.; Frick, W. F.

doi:10.64898/2026.06.05.728241

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.06.05.728241

Rapid population decline of Egyptian fruit bats on Cyprus

Dechmann, D. K. N.·Akre, K. L.·de Wit, L. A.·Kafkaletou Diez, A. G. G.·Mandl, I.·Makridou, Z.·Michael, K.·O'Mara, M. T.·Papastylianou, K.·Wikelski, M.·Frick, W. F.

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Abstract

Preventing extirpations requires timely detection of rapid declines and immediate conservation response. Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) are globally listed as Least Concern, but their genetically isolated population in Cyprus is Critically Endangered. We document a severe ongoing decline of the Cypriot R. aegyptiacus population observed during standardized counts at major roost sites. April 2024 counts at four principal roosts recorded 4633 bats. Surveys in December 2025 documented 554 individuals across the same sites. April 2026 counts revealed a 90.1% decline since April 2024. Additionally, we found numerous dead bats at three roosts, and residents across the island reported dead bats, suggesting an acute mortality event beginning in early 2025. The cause remains unknown. Given the magnitude and pace of decline, this population potentially faces imminent extirpation. We recommend immediate action to protect roosting and foraging habitat, along with coordinated diagnostics, expedited research permits, standardized monitoring, and technical collaboration to identify and mitigate underlying causes of high mortality.

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Dechmann, D. K. N., Akre, K. L., de Wit, L. A., Kafkaletou Diez, A. G. G., Mandl, I., Makridou, Z., Michael, K., O'Mara, M. T., Papastylianou, K., Wikelski, M., Frick, W. F.. 2026-06-08. Rapid population decline of Egyptian fruit bats on Cyprus. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.06.05.728241

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