Bechstein's bat - population trends for Myotis bechsteinii

Description

Typical forest bat with long ears, similar to long-eared bats, but with distinct gap between ears.

Habitat

Prefers deciduous forests, but has also been found in coniferous forests. Requires old trees with woodpecker holes or dead wood.

Quarters

Nursery roosts in tree cavities, occasionally also bat and bird boxes. Form nursery colony associations and change roosts frequently, so multiple roosts in the immediate spatial vicinity are essential. Males roost alone.

Reproduction

Swarms in September to October. Births in June, maternity roosts include 10-50, in associations up to 100 females.

Size

- Head-torso length: 45 - 55 mm - Forearm length: 39.0 - 47.1 mm - Wingspan: 25 - 30 cm

Weight

7-14 g

Color

Grayish to yellowish-brown dorsal fur, underside lighter.

Nose

Slender snout.

Ear

Long "rabbit-like" ears, similar to long-eared bats, but with a distinct gap between the bases of the ears.

Wing

Broad.

Flight

"Gleaner" species. Extremely agile, hunts in vegation.

Ultrasonic

Echolocation calls usually 2.5 - 5 ms long, drop from about 100 kHz to about 35 kHz. Differentiation from other Myotis species is difficult and only possible on the basis of longer sequences and direct comparisons or in combination with visual observations (e.g. swarming at tree hollows).

Endangerment

Affected by massive forestry interventions (clear-cutting, habitat tree felling). Red List of Germany (2020): Endangered. IUCN (2016): Near Threatened.