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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Greater Noctule Bat First Time Detected In Belgium

Greater Noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus)
During a study of migratoy bats near the Belgian coastline held from april to mid-may,  scientists were able  to record  for the first time sounds of the Greater Noctule Bat in Belgium.

The Greater Noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) is a rare mammal found in Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. It is the largest and least studied bat in Europe with a wingspan of up to 46 centimeters and is one of the few bat species to feed on passerine birds. Greater Noctule bat is the only bat species to hunt birds on the wings rather than when roosting.

The nearest sighting in Europe was one in Paris in 2009.

With this discovery the total count of different bat species that can be found in Belgium is 22:

(Note: By clicking on the Dutch name you go to the Dutch wikipedia page, for English speakers click on the scientific name between brackets)