Nathusius' Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii) lives in temperate forests across Northern Eurasia. It feeds on insects and flies. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
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Fascinating facts about the Nathusius' Pipistrelle
The bat measures 46-55 mm from head to body and spans 220-250 mm when its wings are fully extended, with a forearm length of 32-40 mm. Its weight varies between 6 g and 15.5 g. The fifth finger exceeds 43 mm in length, and its fur is a medium-dark reddish-brown above with paler tips and a pale brown underside, giving it a longer, less uniform coat than its close relative.
When hunting, this species emits ultrasonic calls that sweep from 36 kHz up to 62 kHz, concentrating most of their acoustic energy at 41 kHz. Each pulse lasts on average 6.9 ms. These acoustic parameters allow it to detect small to medium flying insects such as chironomid midges while flying 3 to 15 m above ground.
Nathusius' pipistrelle undertakes long seasonal movements, with individuals from the northern and eastern parts of its range travelling south-west each winter. It prefers parkland and light woodland near water.
Nathusius' pipistrelle is found from western Europe stretching eastward to the Ural Mountains, with its range also reaching Turkey and the Caucasus. The species is highly migratory, so individuals from its northern and eastern populations travel south-west each winter to escape colder conditions. It seeks out parkland and light woodland, usually close to water, which provide the foraging and roosting sites it needs throughout the year.
Breeding colonies of Nathusius' pipistrelle are typically situated in natural hollow trees, but the species also uses artificial bat boxes and, on occasion, buildings for roosting. Protection measures in many countries have encouraged the installation of bat boxes, where the bats have been observed to breed successfully, and females give birth to two young each spring.
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In the twilight skies, a tiny, dark silhouetted form darts and weaves, its high-pitched calls punctuating the evening air as the Nathusius' Pipistrelle embarks on its nightly foraging expedition, its agile wings beating at a furious pace as it pursues the abundant insect life that sustains it. With its slender body and delicate features, this diminutive bat navigates the complex tapestry of its forest and woodland habitats with effortless ease, its acute echolocation abilities guiding it through the shadows in search of prey. As it flits between the trees, its rapid, erratic flight is a testament to its remarkable adaptability and resilience in a world filled with predators and competitors.
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