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Bechstein's Bat (Myotis bechsteinii) is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family. It can be found in most of Europe including the United Kingdom.

Habitat[]

It will both roost and forage in suitable woodland of at least 25 hectares in size and only rarely venture outside of them.

In the United Kingdom Bechstein's Bats are most commonly found in the Forest of Dean and Herefordshire, however a single male was caught and recorded near Colby in Southern Pembrokeshire. The UK distribution has been plotted on the National Biodiversity Network website .

They frequently roost in old Woodpecker holes, oak and Ash seeming to be the most important to the species.

Protection[]

They are protected under the European Habitats Directive. In the UK their rarity means that Woodlands containing the species may be considered for notification as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and may attract a grant under Natural Englands Environmental Stewardship scheme.

Echolocation[]

The frequencies used by this bat species for echolocation lie between 35–108 kHz. Its echolocation calls have the most energy at 61 kHz and have an average duration of 3.3 ms.

Gallery[]

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