Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Bechstein's Bat
Scientific Name:
Myotis bechsteini
Weight:
7 - 14g
Lifespan:
The maximum recorded age is 23 years. Description
A medium sized bat with fairly long fur that is pale to reddish brown on its back and a light grey on its underside. The Bechstein's bat has short broad wings that are brown to grey in colour and long broad brown ears with long lancet shaped tragus. Occasionally white wing tips may be present, which is as a result of partial albinism. Juveniles are a light ash grey in colour
Distribution
Restricted to southern England in the UK, although sightings have been recorded in Wales.
Habitat
As a woodland bat the Bechstein
Predators
Although not a predator, the Bechstein
Reproduction
Mating will occur during autumn with the females moving to maternity roosts of approximately 10-30 females during April/May.
Status
With only one maternity and less than twenty roost sites known in the UK and a total population of approx 1500 bats, the IUCN Red List classifies the Bechstein
Did You Know?
When threatened the Bechstein