Mikrobát

Mikrobát is the Hungarian term for microbats, small insectivorous bats in the suborder Microchiroptera. Microbats constitute a large portion of bat diversity and are found in a wide range of habitats across most continents, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas. They are typically distinguished from megabats by size and diet and are known for using echolocation to navigate and forage.

Most microbats belong to families such as Vespertilionidae and Molossidae; they roost in caves, tree crevices, buildings, and under bridges. Their echolocation calls vary by species and function, enabling effective insect hunting at night.

Diet consists mainly of insects, with some species consuming fruit or nectar. Foraging usually occurs at dusk or night, and flight adaptations support movement through different landscapes. Reproduction often involves seasonal breeding with one pup per year common, though litter size can vary among species. Many microbats form maternity colonies to rear young.

Conservation: Microbats face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and disturbance of roosts. Wind turbines and diseases such as white-nose syndrome in certain regions have led to declines in some populations. Conservation efforts emphasize protecting roosting sites, foraging habitats, and monitoring populations.

In research and ecology, microbats are important for natural pest control and are widely studied in bioacoustics. Data from bat echolocation contribute to understanding insect populations, ecosystem health, and disease ecology.