Whiskered
Similar to Brandt’s bat, the whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) is found across England and Wales in low numbers.
The whiskered bat is part of the Myotis family and is exceptionally hard to tell apart from Brandt’s bat. The two species were only separated in 1970, with the Brandt’s bat not being found in the New Forest.
There is uncertainty about the distribution of this species, largely due to its similarity to Brandt’s bat. However, it is thought to be widespread but not common across England and Wales.
It prefers to roost in buildings but can also be found roosting in trees. Summer female roosts often have 30-70 individuals. Winter roosts are often near cave openings but can also be found in crevices.
It has been observed roosting with the similar Brandt’s bat, but in separate colonies, emerging around 30 minutes after sunset.
The breeding population was estimated at 40,000 in 1995 but has probably dropped since. The whiskered bat is thought to be at a low risk of extinction worldwide due to extensive populations across Europe and into Asia.
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