Grey long-eared bat  (Plecotus austriacus)

Authentication

Authenticated (2002) by Amy Dunkley, The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
http://www.bats.org.uk

Glossary

Echolocation: Detecting objects by reflected sound. Used for orientation and detecting and locating prey by bats and cetacea (whales and dolphins).
Hibernation: A winter survival strategy characteristic of some mammals in which an animal's metabolic rate slows down and a state of deep sleep is attained. Whilst hibernating, animals survive on stored reserves of fat that they have accumulated in summer. In insects, the correct term for hibernation is 'diapause', a temporary pause in development and growth. Any stage of the lifecycle (eggs, larvae, pupae or adults) may enter diapause, which is typically associated with winter.
Territorial: An animal, a pair of animals or a colony that occupies and defends an area.

References

  1. IUCN Red List (March, 2008)
    http://www.iucnredlist.org
  2. Schober, W. and Grimmberger, E. (1987) A Guide to Bats of Britain and Europe. Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited, London.
  3. Bats and the Law - a quick guide. Bat Conservation Trust (August, 2002)
    http://www.bats.org.uk/
  4. Morris, P. (1993) A Red Data Book for British Mammals. Mammal Society, Bristol.
  5. Dunkley, A. (September, 2004) Pers. Comm.
  6. Altringham, J.D. (1996) Bats: Biology and Behaviour. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  7. Macdonald, D.W. and Tattersall, F.T. (2001) Britain's Mammals: The Challenge for Conservation. The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford University, Oxford. Available at:
    www.wildcru.org
  8. People's Trust for Endangered Species. Grey long-eared bat fact sheet (March, 2008)
    http://www.ptes.org/index.php?page=142