COI Sequencing from Guano Improves Bat Diversity Research: The First Report from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bats are one of the most widespread, but also the least researched groups of mammals. Their guano is an important source of DNA because it is often readily available even if bats are not, and it may be used to reliably identify different species of bats. According to the most recent data, there are 31 species of bats recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina, identified by the morphometric and acoustic methods. This study had the goal of studying bat diversity in Bosnia and Herzegovina by sequencing the COI gene from guano samples and comparing the results with the results of morphometric measurements. A total of 10 bat species were identified through morphometric analysis, while 13 bat species were identified through the sequencing of COI gene from guano samples, including a new species for the country: Rhinolophus mehelyi. Sequencing has increased the number of species recorded on each locality and resolved inconclusive morphological findings except in the case of M. myotis/blythii. The results indicate that the biodiversity of bats in Bosnia and Herzegovina is larger than estimated and that COI sequencing from guano can be used for regular monitoring and for identification of sites of special importance to bats.