Sardinian long-eared bat  (Plecotus sardus)

The Sardinian long-eared bat is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1).

First identified as recently as 2002 (2), the Sardinian long-eared bat (Plecotus sardus) has brownish fur on the back, relatively large thumbs and thumb claws, and a relatively long and wide tragus (2). All Plecotus bats are distinguished by their relatively enormous ears, which measure up to four centimetres long and are joined at the base by a prominent septum (3). Although very closely related to other European long-eared bats, especially the brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) and the mountain long-eared bat (Plecotus macrobullaris) (4), genetic analysis distinguished this species from other long-eared bats (2).

Found only on Sardinia (Italy), the Sardinian long-eared bat has been found at just three sites on the island, with two of them being located in the same National Park (1).

The Sardinian long-eared bat occurs in heavily wooded areas and roosts in caves at low altitudes (2).

Little is known about the biology of the Sardinian long-eared bat due to the small amount of research that has been undertaken on this species, although it can be assumed that it shares a similar lifestyle to the other European long-eared bats. Long-eared bats (Plecotus species) are typically gregarious creatures that roost in colonies, and mate in the autumn, hibernate in winter, and give birth in spring. Long-eared bats generally give birth to a single young, which is weaned after six to seven weeks and reaches sexual maturity after one to three years (3).

The large ears and eyes suggest that the Sardinian long-eared bat uses a combination of echolocation, sight and sound to locate and catch prey such as moths and other flying insects, in the same way as other long-eared bats. The brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) has been observed gleaning insects by listening to tiny movements made by the prey; this could also be a potential strategy used by the Sardinian long-eared bat (5).

Roost disturbance due to tourism and habitat lost caused by deforestation are the two major threats to the Sardinian long-eared bat (1).

Two of the three known localities of the Sardinian long-eared bat are situated within the Gennargentu National Park (1), which will hopefully offer its habitat some protection. There is a need to preserve foraging and roosting habitats of the Sardinian long-eared bat, and it has been recommended that more research is undertaken on the extent of its distribution (1). The Sardinian long-eared bat is also one of the 45 bat species to which The Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) applies. This agreement aims to protect European bats through legislation, education, conservation measures and international cooperation (6).

To find out about efforts to conserve bats around the world see:

• Bat Conservation International:
  http://www.batcon.org/
• Bat Conservation Trust:
  http://www.bats.org.uk/