Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Natterer's Bat
Scientific Name:
Myotis nattereri
Weight:
7-12g
Lifespan:
The maximum recorded age was 20 years. Description
The Natterer’s bat has long fluffy fur that is grey/brown on its back and whitish on its underside. It has largish outward pointing ears that have a long narrow tragus and both the bats face and ears are pink, although the ears are brown at the ends. The wing membranes are brown and one of the distinguishing features of the Natterer’s bat is the row of short stiff hairs it has at the edge of its tail membrane. Juveniles appear browner in colouration.
Distribution
Throughout the UK but sparsely distributed.
Habitat
Woodlands, pasture and along riversides. The Natterer's bat will roost in trees provided bat boxes, old stone buildings and under bridges during the summer period and will hibernate in mines, caves and cellars during the winter.
Predators
At threat from the loss of roost sites, hedgerow removal and changes to its habitat which can result in a decline of its insect prey. Pesticides are also a threat to the Natterer's bat due to not only the detrimental impact they can have on its insect prey population but also due to the potential contamination of prey with fatal toxins.
Reproduction
Mating occurs during late summer or early autumn with fertilisation being delayed until the following spring. Mixed sex maternity colonies are formed during April/May and a single offspring, known as a pup, is born during June/July. The pup will be capable of flight in approximately three weeks after birth and will be self supportive after approximately six weeks.
Status
Not listed as Threatened. 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 Natterer's bat gets its name from the nineteenth century naturalist Johann Natterer, the man responsible for its discovery. The Natterer's bat was previously known as the Red-Armed bat due to its pinkish limbs.
Droppings Images
