Taxonomy
Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu stricto | Common Pipistrelle
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 | Least Concern |
| Europe | Least Concern |
| Global | 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
The Common Pipistrelle was only genetically separated from its sibling, the Soprano Pipistrelle, in 1997 and there is much overlap between the species and a bat in the hand is often confusing.
As a general rule, the Common Pipistrelle has black skin on the ears and face which gives the appearance of a bandit mask.
A post-calcarial lobe is present on the tail membrane but, unlike the soprano pipistrelle, the Common Pipistrelle does not have a ridge between its nostrils and the pattern of the elastic fibres within the wing membranes is also slightly different.
This species' echolocation calls peak at 45 kHz making it easily distinguishable from the soprano with the aid of a bat detector.
Source: Conor Kelleher / Bat Conservation Ireland.
Habitat
The Common Pipistrelle forages along linear landscape features such as hedgerows and tree lines as well as within woodland and parkland.
The species is highly adaptable and uses both old and modern structures in which to roost; churches, stately homes, factories, stables, bungalows etc.
The species can also be found in more traditional sites such as trees but in low numbers.
It is capable of squeezing through tiny cracks and, in summer, is frequently found roosting in the eaves of buildings or behind hanging tiles, lead flashing etc.
It also makes use of bat boxes.
In winter, the Common Pipistrelle hibernates in stone buildings, trees and walls and, rarely, underground.
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)
- Stone walls and other stonework (BL1)
- Building and artificial surfaces (BL3)
- Non-marine caves (EU1)
- Artificial underground habitats (EU2)
- Hedgerows (WL1)
Sources: Conor Kelleher / Bat Conservation Ireland; Lundy, M.G. et al, 2011; Fossitt, J.A., 2001.
Reproduction
As with the other Irish bat species, the Common Pipistrelle produces only one young, usually in June, and the juvenile is already flying by its fourth week.
The first year is a difficult one as the young bat has to learn to fly, feed and find safe roosting sites. It also has to accumulate enough stored body fat to survive its first winter. Many die in this first season but, if the juvenile bat survives its first year, then its lifespan is usually four years although the longest lived Common Pipistrelle survived for 16 years in Czechoslovakia.
Source: Conor Kelleher / Bat Conservation Ireland.
Threats faced
| THREAT | ARTICLE 17 THREAT CODE | RANKING |
| Wind energy production | C03.03 | High |
| Anthropgenic reduction in habitat connectivity | J03.02 | Medium |
| Removal of hedges and copses or scrub | A10.01 | Medium |
| Reconstruction, renovation of buildings | E06.02 | Medium |
| Use of biocides, hormones and chemicals | A07 | Medium |
| Forestry clearance | B02.02 | Medium |
Roads, motorways | D01.02 | Medium |
| Continuous urbanisation | E01.01 | Medium |
| Other human intrusions and disturbances | G05 | Medium |
| Demolishment of buildings & human structures | E06.01 | Medium |
| Removal of dead and dying trees | B02.04 | Low |
| Tree surgery, felling for public safety, removal of roadside trees | G05.06 | Low |
| Death or injury by collision | G05.11 | Low |
| Use of biocides, hormones and chemicals (forestry) | B04 | Low |
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.
Neither the 2009 Irish Red List of Terrestrial Mammals nor the 2007 IUCN European Regional Red List assessment of the species suggest any Conservation Actions for the species, although both refer to existing legislative protection. The 2008 global level IUCN Red List assessment suggests the following;
- Adoption of bat-friendly practices in the construction and maintenance of buildings
Sources: Marnell, F. et al 2009; Hutson, T. et al 2007; Hutson, A.M. et al 2008.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Recorded from much of western and central Europe and along the north African coast parts of the Midddle East and central Asia . Rare or absent in Scandinavia, Greece and Italy. As the separation between Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus has been made only relatively recently further work needs to be done to establish the relative distribution of each species in Europe. (Harris & Yalden, 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
This species is found throughout the island of Ireland in both rural and urban areas where it feeds on insects that are attracted by streetlights.
Source: Conor Kelleher/Bat Conservation Ireland.
The distribution map below is for records submitted as Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu stricto.
The majority of records submitted as Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu lato (a species aggregate which included both Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus) are post 2000 and thus post-date the splitting of the two species, and may more accurately reflect the actual distribution of Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu stricto.
The distribution map for Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu lato may be viewed via;
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 Common Pipistrelle 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
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 (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.
Fossitt, J.A., 2001. A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council.
Hutson, T., Spitzenberger, F. , Aulagnier S., Coroiu, I., 2007.Pipistrellus pipistrellus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 29 October 2014.
Hutson, A.M., Spitzenberger, F., Aulagnier, S., Coroiu, I., Karatas, A., Juste, J., Paunovic, M., Palmeirim, J. & Benda, P. 2008. Pipistrellus pipistrellus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 29 October 2014.
Harris S., Yalden D.W. (2008). Mammals of the British Isles :Handbook, 4th Edition. The Mammal Society