Bechstein's bat fact file
1st October 2024
As part of our 'Tails' of UK Wildlife campaign, we’ve partnered with Bat Conservation Trust to bring you a fantastic fact file all about the Bechstein’s bat!
Let’s discover the delightful world of the Bechstein’s bat…
What are they?
Mammals.
Scientific name: Myotis bechsteinii
Where do they live?
Although they are very rare, the Bechstein’s bat is usually found in southern Wales and parts of southern England.
The Bechstein’s bat tends to prefer woodland environments, where they roost, forage, and hibernate. These lovely little bats are extremely shy, however, which is why they prefer dense woodland habitats where they’re unlikely to come into contact with humans.
What's their average life span?
Up to 21 years!
How big are they?
Head and body length: 43mm-53mm
Wingspan: 250mm-300mm
Weight: 7g-12g
What do they eat?
Insects – including flies, grasshoppers, and moths.
Are they nocturnal?
Yes! Bechstein’s bats are nocturnal, meaning they’re most likely to be spotted just before dawn and just after dusk.
Bechstein’s bats also tend to hibernate from November until May.
Do they mate for life?
While Bechstein’s bats don’t necessarily mate for life, breeding females do form ‘maternity colonies’ of between 10 and 30 (sometimes even 100!), to raise their young together.
Babies are born around the end of June to the beginning of July, then stay with their mothers until August.
How many are there?
Although they used to be one of the most common species of bat in the UK, the Bechstein’s bat population has suffered due to the destruction of ancient woodland.
Sadly, it’s estimated there are only 21,000 of these magical bats left.
Bats are hugely important in supporting our ecosystems and biodiversity as they help control insect population and act as an ‘indicator species’.
Three fun facts
Fact 1 – In summer, Bechstein’s bats often roost in woodpecker holes!
Fact 2 – A baby Bechstein’s bat is called a ‘pup’ (how cute?!), and females usually have a single pup each year.
Fact 3 – Bechstein’s bats are difficult to detect due to having such quiet echolocation calls; which sound like “tik”.
Actions you can take to help the Bechstein’s bat
Alongside supporting Bat Conservation Trust, you can get involved in helping monitor bats by participating in the:
Other ways of improving the outlook for Bechstein’s bats include protecting the woodland spaces they call home, reducing artificial lighting and creating new woodland habitats that allow them to thrive. For tips on how to make your garden bat friendly, see ‘Gardening for bats’.
Who is Bat Conservation Trust?
Let us introduce you to Bat Conservation Trust, whose vital work protects species just like the Bechstein’s bat.
Their diverse range of work leads Bat Conservation Trust to engage with volunteers, scientists, industry, and government – locally and nationally – on behalf of the mystical yet misunderstood bat. Some of the projects undertaken by the charity, on behalf of bats across the UK, include:
Not forgetting the National Bat Helpline – providing the public with important information, advice, and support when they encounter bats, or need to know how to protect them. Take a look at the helpline’s advice pages.
For further inspiration as to small steps you could take on the path towards a wildlife-friendly future, check out our article all about helping wildlife during summer.
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