Altitudinal distribution of four Plecotus species (Mammalia, Vespertilionidae) occurring in Croatia

The altitudinal distribution of bats of four Plecotus species in Croatia was analysed. P. austriacus and P. kolombatovici are restricted to lower altitudes, under 800 m a.s.l.. P. auritus inhabits continental forest habitats, preferably beech forests, with the exception of Pannonian lowland riparian forests of common oak which also lie under 100 m a.s.l.. As distinct from the other three Plecotus species, Croatian specimens of P. macrobullaris have an extremely wide altitudinal distribution, ranging from sea level to mountain tops, but with most localities under 800 m a.s.l.