Bats thriving in abandoned 'Ghost Bunkers'
Researchers from Tel Aviv University's Department of Zoology granted special access to abandoned IDF bunkers in northern Israel have noted that the bunkers have become home to thousands of bats. Twelve indigenous bat species, of which two are on a critical list and three more are endangered, were identified by the researchers.
The bunkers were abandoned after Israel and Jordan signed a Peace Treaty in 1994, thus allowing the bats an extended period of time without human contact, and Eran Levin, a Ph.D student in TAU's Department of Zoology, has noted that"There is no doubt that, by being in a closed military zone that has prevented human interference, the bat habitat allows these delicate creatures to thrive". It has also been noted that nearby farmland has provided a plentiful supply of insects on which the bats can feed.
The researchers intend to further adapt the bunkers for the bats' benefit by spraying insulating foam, suspending mesh sheets, bringing in wooden pallets and covering surfaces with stones to allow for better grip. Cameras have also been fitted to the bunkers to allow the researchers to monitor the bats' numbers and activity.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
