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This concise and definitive guide presents all 45 bat species that regularly occur in Europe (of which 17 are known to breed in the British Isles). The extensive introduction details the remarkable biology of bats and explores the latest findings in bat evolution, behaviour and echolocation.
This is followed by in-depth species accounts covering life history, conservation status and identification, including echolocation characteristics, and complemented by accurate distribution maps, with Bats of Britain and Europe illustrated throughout with superb colour photography.
Suitable for beginners, students, professionals or conservationists alike, Bats of Britain and Europe is the authoritative field guide for bat watchers – an essential reference for every bat enthusiast.
Bats – the mystery beings 10
Bat roosts 54
Tracking bats 80
Detecting bats 100
Identification of bats 128
Identification of bat hair from faecal samples 134
Species identification of hibernating bats 144
Species identification of an animal in the hand 156
Identification key of European bats in the hand 164
Detailed identification key to European bats – Part 1: bat families 170
Identification key to European bats – Part 2: horseshoe bats 172
Identification key to European bats – Part 3: bent-winged bats 174
Identification key to European bats – Part 4: vesper or plain-nosed bats 175
The bat species 200
Introduction to the species accounts 202
Fruit bats Pteropodidae 206
Horseshoe bats Rhinolophidae 210
Vesper or plain-nosed bats Vespertilionidae 232
Bent-winged bats Miniopteridae 380
Free-tailed bats Molossidae 382
Glossary 387
Bibliography 389
Index 394
The two authors are keen bat enthusiasts and experts in their field.
"The information presented is largely accessible to anyone with an interest in bat biology, conservation and natural history."
– National Speleological Society
