Research Topics
Systematics of Southeast Asian bats (Gábor Csorba, Tamás Görföl)
Exploration of tropical areas that are most heavily impacted by the biodiversity crisis is
one of the most urgent basic research challenges of our times. For several reasons,
vertebrates are in the centre of the attention, and the bat taxonomy and systematics
are the fields where the Hungarian scientists are internationally renowned. Our
research focuses on systematic and phylogenetic investigation of the tropical vesper
bats (Vespertilionidae). This family is characterized by a high number of cryptic
species, and taxonomy based on revisions using modern methods such as
morphometrics and molecular biology, provides the necessary basis for research of
physiology, parasitology, virology and conservation biology.
Diversity of bat viruses and their coevolution with the host (Tamás Görföl)
During the past few years, we have learnt that bats are hosts of several groups of
viruses that are hazardous to human health (Hepadnaviridae, Influenzaviridae,
Coronaviridae, Astroviridae). Under the investigation of viruses carried by bats, we
primarily search for new viruses focusing on the host-virus relationship.
Samples are checked for viral pathogens by molecular biological methods first, then in
the cases of positive result the interaction of host and pathogens is tested by virusisolating experiments. Several virus groups we work on have an impact on the
emergence of zoonosis and a serious risk for public health.
Conservation biology and monitoring of Hungarian bats (Tamás Görföl)
Populations of different bat species have declined in many European countries in the
last few decades due to the disturbance of their underground shelters, intensive forest
management and intentional destruction. Consequently, bats are protected by
international laws and conventions. In Hungary, from the 28 native species, 20 are
protected while 8 are strictly protected.
In addition to faunistic surveys we focus on roost preference, migration and other
ecological research based on modern techniques (such as molecular biology,
ultrasound sampling, radio telemetry) in order to conserve the Hungarian populations.
To complete these tasks, we take part in the National Biodiversitymonitoring
Programme and other monitoring campaigns.