Data from: Extreme drought coincides with population-wide reproductive suppression in an arid-adapted bat
Data files
Sep 23, 2026 version files 3.11 KB
-
README.md
2.62 KB
-
reproduction_data_females.csv
489 B
Abstract
This dataset contains annual records of reproductive activity in all known maternity colonies of the greater mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopoma microphyllum) in Israel between 2003 and 2025. Monitoring was conducted during the breeding season as part of a long-term population survey in the Jordan Rift Valley. The dataset records whether reproduction was confirmed, absent, colonies were empty, or colonies were not adequately surveyed in a given year. These data were used to document two years (2008 and 2025) in which no evidence of reproduction was detected across all known maternity colonies.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.rxwdbrvrg
Levin E., Armon M., Yedvab S.
Extreme drought coincides with population-wide reproductive suppression in an arid-adapted bat.
Description of the data and file structure
This dataset contains annual records of reproductive activity in all known maternity colonies of the greater mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopoma microphyllum) in Israel between 2003 and 2025.
The data were collected as part of a long-term monitoring program conducted in the Jordan Rift Valley.
Monitoring was conducted during the breeding season, when non-volant pups are normally present within maternity roosts and can be readily detected during colony inspections.
File: reproduction_data_females.csv
Description: annual records of reproductive activity in all known maternity colonies of the greater mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopoma microphyllum) in Israel between 2003 and 2025.
Variables:
- Monitoring: year
- Maternity colonies
-
Cursi: the largest known maternity colony of Rhinopoma microphyllum in Israel and serves as the primary maternity colony monitored throughout the study period. During reproductive years, the colony typically contains several thousand adult females
The remaining colonies represent all other known maternity or satellite colonies of the species in Israel and were monitored as part of the same long-term survey program:
-
Samek
-
Gader
-
Susita
-
Gesher
-
Shadmot
-
Data Codes:
Each cell describes the reproductive status of a colony during a given year.
- +: Pups observed; reproduction confirmed
- 0: Colony occupied by adult females, but no pups observed despite surveys during the breeding season
- E: Colony surveyed but found empty
- -: Colony not surveyed appropriately during the breeding season
- U: Colony in a man-made structure that wasn't accessible for the bats
Notes:
The dataset includes all known maternity colonies of Rhinopoma microphyllum in Israel during the study period.
Several colonies were located in man-made structures. In some cases, these structures were in use by humans and unavailable for the bats; this information is indicated in the spreadsheet formatting but does not affect the interpretation of reproductive status records.
Contact Information
Dr. Eran Levin
School of Zoology
Tel Aviv University
Israel
Email: levineran1@tauex.tau.ac.il
Monitoring Protocol
Colonies were monitored during the breeding season (July–September), when pups are normally present and highly conspicuous within maternity roosts.
Reproductive activity was assessed using a combination of:
- Daytime roost inspections
- Capture and handling of adult females
- Nocturnal observations of colony emergence
Pups are readily distinguishable from adults and can be directly observed within maternity colonies during this period.
In years when no reproduction was detected (2008 and 2025), colonies were surveyed more intensively through repeated daytime and nighttime visits.