Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Noctule Bat
Scientific Name:
Nyctalus noctula
Weight:
19 - 40g
Speed:
Approximately 30mph
Lifespan:
Maximum of 12 years. Description
One of the largest bats in the UK with short goldish reddish/brown fur on its back that will appear glossy during the summer months. The Noctule's underside is light brown and both its long narrow wings and short broad triangular shaped ears are dark brown/black in colour. The Noctule bat leaves its roost early and can often been seen out while it is still light. It has a very distinctive high and fast, almost 30mph, flight pattern and can look almost erratic while in flight due to the rapid turns and dives it makes. Noctule juveniles are darker than adults and have pale brown backs.
Distribution
Although not a common species, the Noctule bat is fairly widespread in England and Wales but is absent from Ireland and North Scotland.
Habitat
Woodland, wetlands, pasture and large gardens and parks. The Noctule bat has been found to roost in trees, buildings, provided bat boxes and even street lights during the summer months and will hibernate in hollow trees, buildings and rock crevices during the winter period.
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 Noctule 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 will take place between August and October, although fertilisation will be postponed until the following spring. During the mating period a single male will pair with 4 to 5 females and will defend the mating roost from all other males, at this time the males have enlarged testis as well as enlarged buccal glands in the cheeks which are used for scent marking roosts (see picture of male bat above). Around late May females will gather into maternity roosts of approximately 20-50 females. The female will usually give birth to a single offspring in June/July. 4 weeks after birth the young is fully capable of flight and will be independent of its parent by 7 weeks.
Status
Noctules are 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?
In Europe the Noctule bat is migratory and although movement has not been recorded in Britain, it is believed that they migrate to the south and south west to avoid the harshest of weather.
Male Image
