The Bats of Verdun

Bechstein’s Bat (Myotis bechsteinii)
 One of 15 Species of Bat Populating the Verdun Battlefield

During my days leading tours of the Western Front battlefields were occasionally treated to subterranean bat sightings. This most often happened at the Verdun sector forts, but I've since learned that many species of bats have been identified at Verdun, and they've been found in all sorts of places. 

 

A Colony Inside a Verdun Fort

The reason for this vibrant population is twofold. First, the big forts—like Douaumont, Vaux, or Troyon—where I've personally seen the critters—plus the countless number of abandoned concrete bunkers, subterranean tunnels, and fortified military shelters scattered across the surrounding battlefield provide perfect habitats and hibernating quarters for bats. The rough brick and stone interiors of the shelters are ideal for roosting. 

Second, the millions of craters—found everywhere else around the battleground—provide a wonderful hunting ground for those delicacies of bat cuisine, insects and amphibians. Apparently, the—recently arrived to the area—rare yellow-bellied toad is particularly delectable for bats.

Bats' Hunting Ground

Furthermore in the 21st century, both the predator and their quarry have found powerful legal protection, at least from humans. The Verdun battlefield is protected by the European Union Habitats and Birds Directives, which designate the area as a Natura 2000 site. In France, these frameworks are enforced under the Environmental Code (Code de l'environnement), specifically restricting activities that might threaten rare amphibians (like the yellow-bellied toad) and bat colonies. Incidentally, much to the happiness of local farmers, insects as far as I can tell are not protected and the bats of Verdun are welcome neighbors.

Verdun Bat Food: The Delicious Yellow-Bellied Toad

Sources: "In France, a Bloody WWI Battlefield Has Become a Wildlife Refuge," Atlas Obscura; "100 Years After WWI, Nature Is Finally Reclaiming A Historic Battlefield," DiscoverMagazine.com; Verdun Tourism.