Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Grey Long-eared Bat
Scientific Name:
Plecotus austriacus
Weight:
7 - 14g
Lifespan:
The maximum recorded age is 14.5 years but due to mortality rates an average age of 9 years for a male and 5 years for a female, is probably more likely. Description
The Grey Long-Eared bat has long grey fur which is dark grey on the back and very pale grey on the underside. The nose and top lip are usually greyish to black in colour and the wing membrane, ears and face are a dark grey to black colour. The Grey Long-Eared bat has reasonably large eyes and as its name implies, very long ears, which it can tuck back and fold under its wings so that nearly only the traugus is visible.
Distribution
Found in Southern Coast and South West of England, as well as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Wight.
Habitat
Cultivated areas and valleys below 400 meters, due to a liking for warm lowland areas. The Grey Long-Eared bat will make its summer roosts in buildings and during the winter period, it will hibernate between October and March in areas such as caves, tunnels, mines and cellars.
Predators
Factors that impact the insect prey population, such as habitat loss or change and pesticide use, are a serious problem to the Grey Long-Eared bat. The use of insecticides in roosting areas is also a threat and although it is now illegal to use these types of timber treatments where bats are roosting, the effects of such a treatment can be fatal to a bat for up to 20 years.
Reproduction
Mating occurs during autumn with fertilisation taking place during the following spring. Maternity roosts of between 10 and 30 females are formed during May and a single offspring, called a pup, is born during June.
Status
Plecotus austriacus is not listed as at threat due to the low risk of extinction worldwide. 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?
The Grey Long Eared bat is one of Britain's rarest mammals. The Grey Long-Eared bats feeding perch can often be identified by a pile of the inedible remains of their prey beneath them.