Experts estimate that hundreds of fruit bats left the drainage tunnel at the Mavrokolympos dam before it flooded following unexpected infrastructure damage in January, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou has told parliament.
The minister's assessment came in response to parliamentary questions from MP Charalambos Theopemptou about the fate of several hundred Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) known to inhabit the dam's drainage pipeline within the Natura 2000 protected area.
Damage to the base of the Mavrokolympos dam's drainage tower on 19 January 2025 caused uncontrolled and rapid water leakage from the reservoir through the drainage tunnel, Panayiotou explained. The incident was described as unforeseen.
Agriculture minister responds to parliamentary inquiry on bat fate
When authorities became aware of the damage and leakage, they attempted to verify whether fruit bats had escaped from the drainage tunnel. However, safe entry into the tunnel was impossible due to the large leak and mud accumulation.
Using specialist bat detection equipment, authorities confirmed that no animals remained trapped inside the tunnel. "The estimation of experts was that the animals abandoned the tunnel before it filled with water and mud," the minister stated.
The Environment Department had been aware of the bat colony's presence, as the Mavrokolympos dam falls within the Natura 2000 Koili-Mavrokolympos protected area.
No animals detected in flooded drainage tunnel after dam damage
Theopemptou had questioned whether a proper Environmental Impact Assessment had been conducted before the Water Development Department proceeded with actions that led to potential deaths of hundreds of fruit bats.
Panayiotou clarified that the incident constituted force majeure rather than planned action. "No gate opening occurred, but the dam emptied due to leakage," she explained, noting this was an unexpected incident rather than deliberate action by authorities.
The minister stated that EU Directive 92/43/EEC provisions did not apply in this case, as the situation involved force majeure rather than planned or voluntary action by authorities that might have required assessment or mitigation measures.
The minister noted that numerous suitable natural caves and cavities exist in the surrounding area where any animals that left the tunnel could have found refuge. Authorities are also examining the possibility that the bats may have joined existing colonies elsewhere.
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The Egyptian fruit bat species has shown significant population growth in recent years, with old colonies re-establishing, new colonies forming, and populations increasing in known colonies, according to the minister.
Following repair of the damage and cleaning of the tunnel, authorities expect the habitat will again become suitable for recolonisation by the species. Relevant departments will closely monitor the area to record any potential return of the bats.
Panayiotou emphasised that no obligation existed to notify the European Commission under the relevant environmental directive provisions, given the force majeure nature of the incident.