Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Greater Mouse-Eared Bat
Scientific Name:
Myotis myotis
Weight:
28 - 40g
Lifespan:
The maximum age is approximately 22 years. Description
Medium brown coloured fur on the top with greyish white fur on the underside. The Greater Mouse-Eared bat has very large ears with a very prominent narrow tragus.
Distribution
Since 1990 the Greater Mouse-Eared bat has been officially declared as extinct in the UK, although small groups were previously recorded in Dorset and Sussex.
Habitat
Woodlands, parkland, pasture and human settlements. They would roost in stone buildings and trees during the summer period and hibernate in caves, mines and tunnels during the winter.
Predators
Although the cause of the Greater Mouse-Eared bats extinction in the UK is not fully known, it is believed that it was partially due to the disturbance and destruction of maternity roost sites.
Reproduction
Mating would occur during autumn and the females would form their maternity roosts in attics and caves during March - June. One offspring, known as a pup, was born in June and was fully capable of flight after three weeks. The pup becomes sexually mature after approx three months.
Status
Officially listed as extinct in the UK. Fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended, and by the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations (1994). An agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (EUROBATS) under the auspices of the Bonn Convention, also known as the Convention on Migratory species (CMS) is in force, and all European bats are listed under Appendix II of the CMS.
Did You Know?
Although the Greater