Abstract

In this study, normal hematologic values and some biochemical parameters were examined in wild-caught greater mouse-eared bat Myotis myotis (Borkhausen) captured from Koyunbaba Cave in the Kırklareli province, Turkey. Ten apparently healthy animals (five males and five females) were used to determine the hematology and plasma biochemistry parameters including, leucocyte (white blood cell) counts (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), cholesterol (CHO), glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), Urea (U), creatine (CREAT), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST). No statistically significant differences were found between male and female animals for the analyzed parameters. Plasma total cholesterol concentration was similar with the those of other insectivorous bat species whereas extremely higher than frugivorous species. Also, triglyceride level was higher than the frugivorous bats. The high total cholesterol and triglyceride values in M. myotis reflect a protein-rich diet of insectivorous bat species. The values recorded in this study could be helpful in evaluating the physiologic and pathologic status of M. myotis in the wild for conservation and management of species.