A hibernating greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) in the mainland coastal dunes of Zuid-Holland
In response to a number of reports of break ins at various places along the coast of Zuid-Holland, an enforcement check by Buitengewoon Opsporings Ambtenaar (BOA / community service officer) J.A. Dijkhuizen took place on 28 January 2021 in a small number of accessible bunkers in the Natura 2000 area Solleveld-Kapittelduinen, located between Den Haag and Hoek van Holland (province of Zuid-Holland). During this check, which was performed according to COVID-19 measures which were in place at the time, a freehanging and notably unusual bat was found in the entrance area. Since the bunker was freely accessible and was in fact entered regularly by members of the general public, the help of a census coordinator (first author of this article) was called in. Once arrived on the spot, he determined the bat in question was a greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, figure 1). Since the entrance of the bunker, which had been broken open, was to be sealed off with brickwork that same afternoon in request of the BOA, .......