Pantelleria researchers confirm presence of Theban necterid bat

An international research group has confirmed the presence of the Theban necterid (Nycteris thebaica) on the Italian island of Pantelleria, marking the first certain identification of this species in Europe. While the bat is widely distributed across Africa, its presence in Europe had remained a zoological mystery for two centuries, mentioned only in vague 19th-century natural history texts without museum specimens or precise location data.

Using calibrated ultrasonic acoustic sampling in the Montagna Grande area, researchers recorded high-frequency, low-decibel calls. The data suggests the presence of at least two individuals, likely a pair interacting through communication. Scientists believe this could indicate a small, long-standing population that has evaded detection for approximately 200 years. The study, published in the journal ‘Global Ecology and Conservation’, highlights Pantelleria’s strategic position in the Strait of Sicily as a biogeographical crossroads and a potential stepping stone for North African species migrating toward Europe.