Taxonomy
Myotis mystacinus | Whiskered Bat
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
| Range | Favourable |
| Population | Favourable |
| Habitat | Favourable |
| Future Prospects | Favourable |
| Overall Assessment of Conservation Status | Favourable |
| Overall Trend in Conservation Status | N/A |
| Ireland (1) | Least Concern |
| Europe (2) | Least Concern |
| Global (3) | Least Concern |
Legal status
Protected by the following legal instruments:
- Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), Annex IV
- Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) Appendix II
- Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS)
- Wildlife Act (1976)
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act (2000)
- Wildlife (N.I.) Order of 1985
Native status
Native.
Species Biology
Identification
In the hand, this species is small and noticeably dark with almost black skin and dark brown dorsal fur with off-white ventral fur.
It scolds readily and the open mouth shows a long and thin jaw.
The tragus (a flap of skin within the ear) is long, thin and pointed. The feet are small.
This species can be very difficult to distinguish from other Myotis bat species especially Brandt's.
Source: Conor Kelleher / Bat Conservation Ireland.
Habitat
Whiskered Bats are found in woodlands, along hedgerows, tree lines, parkland and riparian habitats.
The species prefers dense foliage and hugs woodland edges, tree lines etc.
In summer, the species roosts in trees, lofts, house eaves, beneath lead flashing or slates and bat boxes.
In winter, whiskered bats hibernate solitarily in caves, souterrains, bridges, mines, cellars etc.
Source: Conor Kelleher/Bat Conservation Ireland.
Habitats include but are not necessarily limited to;
- Semi-natural woodland (WN) [but probably not Bog woodland (WN7)]
- (Mixed) broadleaved woodland (WD1)
- Mixed broadleaved / conifer woodland (WD2)
- Scrub / transitional woodland (WS)
- Linear woodland / scrub (WL)
- Improved agricultural grassland (GA1)
- Stone walls and other stonework (BL1)
- Building and artificial surfaces (BL3)
- Non-marine caves (EU1)
- Artificial underground habitats (EU2)
Reproduction
Whiskered Bats begin to mate in the autumn and this continues through the winter.
Males and females segregate at breeding time and the single young is born in June or July.
Whiskered bats often form mixed roosts with other species so can be overlooked.
Nursery roosts may exceed 100 animals.
The species is known to live to 19 years.
Source: Conor Kelleher / Bat Conservation Ireland.
Average lifespan is 4 years.
Source: Harris S., Yalden D.W. 2008.
Threats faced
| THREAT | ARTICLE THREAT 17 CODE | RANKING |
| Agricultural intensification | A02.01 | Medium |
| Forest and Plantation, management & use | B02 | Medium |
| Roads, motorways | D01.02 | Medium |
| Demolishment of buildings & human structures | E06.01 | Medium |
| Other human intrusions and disturbances | G05 | Medium |
| Diffuse pollution to surface waters due to agricultural and forestry activities | H01.05 | Low |
- loss of foraging habitat.
Threats identified in the Habitats Directive Article 17 Reporting for the period 2007-2012 includes threats identified in the IUCN Red Lists at both European and Global levels, although the threats at European and Global level are described as 'not major'.
Sources: Marnell, F. et al 2009; Hutson T. et al 2007; Hutson, A.M. et al 2008
Conservation actions
In the Article 17 Habitats Directive reporting for the period 2007-2012 no Conservation Measures in place or in the process of being implemented during the period were listed for this species.
Source: NPWS 2013.
The 2009 Irish Red List of Terrestrial Mammals does not suggest any Conservation Actions for the species, nor do the 2008 global or 2007 European level IUCN Red Lists.
Sources: Marnell, F. et al 2009; Hutson T. et al 2007; Hutson, A.M. et al 2008
In a 2007 All Ireland Species Action Plan for Bats a total of 37 Actions were identified for all bat Irish bat species as part of the plan. This species was included in a 2009-2011 Vesper Bat Threat Response Plan.
Sources: EHS / DEHLG 2007;NPWS 2009.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Phenotypically very similar, the Whiskered Bat and Brandt's Bat were separated as distinct species only in the 1970's so recorded world distribution for each may include instances of either.
Western Europe including Ireland and Britain (although it may be absent from Scotland), southern Scandinavia to Spain and north west Africa, then as far east asJapan.
Source: Harris S., Yalden D.W. (2008)
Accuracy of world distribution shown in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) map below will be constrained by, amongst other factors, data held but not shared by countries and organizations not participating in the GBIF.
Irish distribution
Widespread but patchy distribution throughout Ireland.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
How can you help
The National Biodiversity Data Centre is trying to improve our knowledge
on the distribution of the the Whiskered Bat in Ireland. Should you
observe this bat species, please submit sightings to add to the
database. Detailed observations will assist us gaining a better insight
into where the species is most abundant in Ireland and we might also be
able to detect regional variations. Please submit any sightings and
photographs at
http://records.biodiversityireland.ie/index.php
All records submitted on line can be viewed on Google Maps – once checked and validated these will be added to the Mammals of Ireland Database and made available for conservation and research.
Further information
For further information contact Dr. Liam Lysaght llysaght@biodiversityireland.ie
References
Publications
Environments and Heritage Service / Department of Enviroment, Heritage and Local Government (2008) All Ireland Species Action Plan Bats.
Fossitt, J.A. (2001) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council.
Harris S., Yalden D.W. (2008). Mammals of the British Isles :Handbook, 4th Edition. The Mammal Society.
Hutson, T.., Spitzenberger, F., Aulagnier, S. & Coroiu, I. 2007. Myotis mystacinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 06 October 2014.
Hutson, A.M., Spitzenberger, F., Aulagnier, S. & Coroiu, I. 2008. Myotis mystacinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 06 October 2014.
Lundy M.G., Aughney T., Montgomery W.I., Roche N. (2011) Landscape conservation for Irish bats & species specific roosting characteristics. Bat Conservation Ireland.
Marnell, F., Kingston, N. & Looney, D. (2009) Ireland Red List No. 3: Terrestrial Mammals, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland
NPWS (2009) Threat Response Plan: Vesper bats (2009-2011). National Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government,Dublin.
NPWS (2013) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Species Assessments Volume 3. Version 1.0. Unpublished Report, National Parks & Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland.