hibernation telomere dynamics in a shifting climate: insights from wild greater horseshoe bats

Hibernation is linked with various hypotheses to explain the extended lifespan of hibernating mammals compared with their non-hibernating counterparts. Studies on telomeres, markers of ageing and somatic maintenance, suggest telomere shortening slows during hibernation and lengthening may reflect self-maintenance with favourable conditions. Bats in temperate zones adjust body temperatures during winter torpor to conserve energy and exploit mild conditions for foraging. Climate change may impact the hibernation cycle of bats, but more research is needed regarding the role of telomeres in understanding their response to a changing climate. Here relative telomere length (rTL) was measured in the long-lived greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (n = 223 individuals) over three winters, considering climatic conditions. Cross-sectional analyses revealed between-individual variation in rTL with a strong year effect, likely linked to varying weather conditions and foraging success. Ad..., , , Power et al (2023) Hibernation telomere dynamics in a shifting climate: insights from wild greater horseshoe bats. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

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#### Woodchester population data re-use:

**PLEASE READ BEFORE USE OF DATA**
The files attached contain data from a long-term project monitoring a population of wild greater horseshoe bats in Gloucestershire. Data from this population has been collected by Dr Roger Ransome since 1959, in addition to several other researchers. If you plan to use the data, there are a number of reasons of why it would be helpful to contact Dr Roger Ransome ([e-mail]) first.

Data can be subject to change due to occasional errors, record merges and continuous updating of the pedigree. Multiple projects are currently ongoing and it would be preferable to avoid duplication of efforts.

All identities and family relationships have been recode...