Western Barbastelle
Barbastella barbastellus
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Chiroptera · Vespertilionidae
About
The western barbastelle, also known as the barbastelle or barbastelle bat, is a European bat in the genus Barbastella. This species is found from Portugal to Azerbaijan and from Sweden to Canary Islands, where a sub-species was identified. It has a short nose, small eyes and wide ears. The conservation status of B. barbastellus is assessed as "near threatened", "vulnerable", "critically endangered" or "extinct" in various parts of its range.
Fun Fact
Western barbastelles emit some of the quietest echolocation calls of any bat, whispering their sonar to avoid detection by eared moths that can hear louder bat species approaching.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Mature forests and caves
Diet
Insectivore
Lifespan
10-23 years
Threats
- Illegal Logging
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Illegal Wildlife Trade