Filenews 24 November 2025 - by Dora Christodoulou
The bats that left the Mavrokolympos dam en masse when it suffered significant damage and drained, are gradually starting to return to it after it has been repaired and restored to its previous state, although still without water.
The fruit bats that had a colony in the tunnel of the Mavrokolympos dam are known as a very adaptable species and it is taken for granted that they had left the tunnel with the appearance of the problem and the drainage of their habitat, avoiding being trapped and killed.
Competent scientists and officials of the Department of Environment who monitor and record the behaviour and habits of the species, emphasize that the fruit bats that had a colony in the dam tunnel are taken for granted that they realize in their own way that the danger has passed and that the dam can again be their safe place to live.
The population of the protected species of fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) in the Mavrokolympos dam was recorded since 2024 and numbered about 800 individuals. According to experts, it is a highly adaptable species, which uses alternative shelters and moves regularly, avoiding dangerous conditions.
Special detection devices (bat detectors) confirmed that there were no animals trapped in the tunnel when the damage occurred, indicating that the bats left the area before it was flooded with water and mud.
Now, with the completion of the repair of the damage and the cleaning of the tunnel, the area is again suitable for recolonization by the species and the first samples in this direction have already been recorded.
