Taxonomy
Nyctalus leisleri | Lesser Noctule
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) | Near Threatened |
| 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
Combined head and body 54-64mm.
Leisler's Bat [also known as the Lesser Noctule Bat] is Ireland's largest, with a wingspan up to 320mm.
In the hand, the species is extremely timid.
The fur is shaggy, giving a 'lion's mane' appearance on the back.
The hair is bi-coloured, being dark brown at the base and lighter towards the tip.
The fur also extends onto the forearm and wing and, because of this, the species used to be called the 'hairy-armed bat'.
The tragus, of the ear, is mushroom shaped. A post-calcarial lobe is present on the tail membrane.
It is conspicuous, being so large, and also because it can be readily heard as it hunts.
This species is quick to emerge at dusk and is sometimes abroad long before it.
Source: Conor Kelleher/Bat Conservation Ireland.
Echolocation calls peak between 24 and 28kHz.
Source:Harris S., Yalden D.W. 2008
Preferred environment
Habitat
Leisler's Bat is a woodland species but it is also to be found in parkland, along treelines, pasture and riparian habitats, over lakes, beaches and dunes and above streetlights in urban areas.
The species is not as dependent on linear features like hedgerows as our other bat species.
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)
- Building and artificial surfaces (BL3)
- Freshwater (F) [above rather than in.]
- Riparian
Reproduction
In late summer, the males begin to attract females by emitting distinctive social calls, often while perched on the trunk of a tree.
These can be heard by the human ear and are a series of sharp 'clicks' repeated at 0.5 or 1 second intervals.
As with the other Irish bat species, mating takes place in the autumn, with the male holding a harem of several females.
The young are born in June or July.
Nursery roost size in tree holes is usually in the region of 20 - 50 animals. However, in buildings, nursery roosts may exceed 300.
The species is known to live to 9 years.
Source: Conor Kelleher / Bat Conservation Ireland.
Threats faced
| THREAT | ARTICLE 17 THREAT CODE | RANKING |
| Wind energy production | C03.03 | High |
| Use of biocides, hormones and chemicals | A07 | Medium |
| Removal of hedges and copses or scrub | A10.01 | Medium |
| Forestry clearance | B02.02 | Medium |
| Removal of dead and dying trees | B02.04 | Medium |
| Use of biocides, hormones and chemicals (forestry) | B04 | Medium |
| Continuous urbanisation | E01.01 | Medium |
| Tree surgery, felling for public safety, removal of roadside trees | G05.06 | Medium |
| Other human intrusions and disturbances | G05 | Medium |
| Agricultural intensification | A02.01 | Medium |
| Demolishment of buildings & human structures | E06.01 | Low |
| Reconstruction, renovation of buildings | E06.02 | Low |
| Anthropogenic reduction in habitat connectivity | J03.02 | Low |
Migration of species (natural newcomers) | M02.04 | Low |
The 2009 Irish Terrestrial Mammal Red List identified the following threats Nyctalus leisleri in Ireland:
- Accidental and deliberate exclusion from nursery roosts
- Unsympathetic woodland management
Source: Marnell, F. et al 2009.
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 does the European or global IUCN Red List.Sources: Marnell, F. et al 2009; Tony Hutson 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)
A European species. mainly central.
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
Leisler’s Bat is widespread and common throughout Ireland. Ireland is considered to be the world stronghold for the species.
Sources:Harris S., Yalden D.W. 2008; Marnell, F. et al 2009.
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 Leisler’s bats in Ireland. Should you observe this bat species, please submit sighting to add to the database. Detailed observations will assist us gaining a better insight into where the species are 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. 2007. Nyctalus leisleri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 07 October 2014.
Hutson, A.M., Spitzenberger, F., Aulagnier, S., Juste, J., Karatas, A., Palmeirim, J. & Paunovic, M. 2008. Nyctalus leisleri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 07 October 2014.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
Lundy M.G., Aughney T., Montgomery W.I., Roche N (2011) Landscape conservation for Irish bats & species specific roosting characteristics. Bat Conservation 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.