Babtai

History

Babtai were mentioned in 1394 in Die Littauischen Wegeberichte of crusaders as patrimony (kiemas Baptindorf). Most likely the same place was mentioned in the report of Teutonic spies - "von dannen czu Bapto j mile" in 1386. In 1394 few homesteads were known, big gates were mentioned. Since the end of 15th century till 18th century Babtai was a domain of the Grand Duke of Lithuania. In 16th century and 17th century Babtai was a vivid trade center. Situated on the historic road from Kaunas to Riga, it played a role in the trade between Lithuania and Livonia. In 1672 the first Babtai church was built. Since 1777 parish school was operating. In 1732 Babtai town got a privilege to arrange weekly markets. In 1792, the town received Magdeburg rights and coat of arms. Babtai suffered from frequent fires. The town declined after construction of railways. About 300 to 400 Jews of Babtai and Vandžiogala were executed in a mass execution between August 28 and September 2, 1941. This crime was perpetrated by an Einsatzgruppen of Germans helped by local collaborants.

Most-observed species

• Hooded Crow

  Corvus cornix Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  919
• Great Tit

  Parus major Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  541
• European Starling

  Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  505
• House Sparrow

  Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  477
• Eurasian Tree Sparrow

  Passer montanus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  448
• Eurasian Blackbird

  Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  377
• Common Wood-Pigeon

  Columba palumbus Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  318
• Eurasian Collared-Dove

  Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838) · Aves
  269