bat

Bats, the only mammals capable of flight, play a crucial ecological role through their insect and fruit diet, which contributes to pest control and seed dispersal. This fact sheet provides a comprehensive overview of bat biology and ecology and supports awareness for the conservation of this fascinating group of animals.

bat Products

Profile: bat

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Mammalia (mammals)
    • Order: Chiroptera (bats)
    • Families: More than 20, including Vespertilionidae (natterjack bats), Pteropodidae (fruit bats) and others
    • General species: Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), Greater noctule (Nyctalus noctula)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 3-10 cm (depending on species)
    • Wingspan: 18-40 cm (depending on species)
    • Weight: 2-150 g, typically under 50 g for most small species
    • Special features: Flying mammals with wings consisting of a skin membrane that connects the extended fingers; excellent echolocation abilities.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Globally distributed, from tropical to temperate zones
    • Habitat: Forests, caves, under bridges, in old buildings and other structures that can provide shelter
    • Adaptability: Extremely high, bats can live in almost any natural or man-made habitat that offers shelter.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Insectivores (most small species), fruits (fruit bats), fish (fish bats), blood (vampire bats)
    • Typical food: insects, spiders, small fruits, nectar

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: Variable, often in autumn with a gestation period that may include winter delays
    • Gestation period: 40-90 days (depending on species)
    • Litter size: Usually 1 young animal; rarely 2-3
    • Social structure: Many species live in large colonies, some are more solitary

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: 3-30 years, depending on the species
    • Endangered status: Many species are threatened by habitat loss, pesticides and climate change
    • Protective measures: protection of wintering and breeding habitats, legal protection measures against disturbance and destruction of habitats, reduction of pesticide use
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