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Western barbastelle
Western barbastelle
Western barbastelle
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Western barbastelle
Temporal range: Pleistocene – Recent[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
Genus: Barbastella
Species:
B. barbastellus
Binomial name
Barbastella barbastellus
(Schreber, 1774)
Range of B. barbastella
  Resident
  Extinct
  Presence Uncertain

The western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus), 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.

Taxonomy

[edit]

The western barbastelle was described as a new species in 1774 by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber, who placed it in the genus Vespertilio, with a species name of Vespertilio barbastellus. The holotype had been collected in Burgundy, France. In 1836 it was placed in the genus Barbastellus, and the first use of its current name combination of Barbastella barbastellus was in 1897 by Gerrit Smith Miller Jr.[3] The name Barbastella barbastellus might be coming from the Latin barba (beard) and stella (star). Viewed from the side, it seems that the upper lip has a beard, or a moustache.[3]

Two subspecies are recognized by Mammal Species of the World (2005):[4]

  • Barbastella barbastellus barbastellus: distributed from western Europe until the Caucasus, with isolated populations in Morocco[2]
  • Barbastella barbastellus guanchae: only found in the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain[5]

In addition to morphological measurement, DNA analysis confirmed the presence of an endemic sub-species in the Canary Islands as well as a relatively homogeneous genetic structure among populations of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, and probably, across Europe as far as the Thrace region.[6]

Description

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The barbastelle is a medium-sized bat, with a characteristic pug-shaped nose. The ears are broad, joined across its head by skin, and covered in gingery-brown fur on the rear surface. The tragus is triangular – broad at the base but with a nearly parallel tip which starts about halfway along its length. Head and body length is between 40 and 55 mm and wingspan is between 26 and 29 cm (10 and 11 in). Forearm length is 3.5 to 4.5 cm (1.4 to 1.8 in) and body mass is 6 to 13 g (0.21 to 0.46 oz).[7][8]

Ecology

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Illustration of roosting barbastelles

Habitat

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Barbastelles roost in splits or behind loose bark of trees all year, generally in mature deciduous forests,[9] as well as rock crevices[10] and within human buildings. In central Italy, tall dead beech in unmanaged woodland were found to be preferred as roost trees.[9] While barbastelles typically remain within a single roosting area, they move between individual roosts with great frequency.[2]

Barbastelles migrate to underground roosting sites over the winter, although they may stay within arboreal roosts in the beginning of the season. Winter roosting sites include natural caves and human structures such as basements, mines and bunkers. Barbastelles are relatively resistant to cold conditions, and are typically found hibernating in cold sites and in exposed positions.[2][11]

Hunting and feeding

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Barbastelles feed chiefly on moths, as well as on flies.[2][11][12] Research from Switzerland showed that the biologically most productive parts of the forest are exploited in priority by this species while hunting [10] and that ca. 99% of prey by volume consisted of Lepidoptera. More recent studies confirmed this predominance of Lepidoptera, underlining that medium-sized and larger specimens are targeted in priority by the barbastelles. However, seasonal diet changes were recorded during autumn due to potential interspecific competition with Plecotus austriacus and strong decrease of flying larger moths.[13]

The diet of the barbastelles appears to be one of the narrowest among European bats. This specialization in foraging habits probably points to a higher vulnerability of this species to negative changes in the abundance of moth populations. This could explain its current rarity throughout most of its range.[14]

While foraging, barbastelles behave as typical aerial-hawking bat species despite the fact that they hunt exclusively just above the forest canopy. This peculiar foraging technique could be explained by the co-evolution with the defence system of its prey.[14]

Specimens can travel up to 20 km per night for foraging purposes and nonreproductive females forage at greater distances than reproductive females [15]

Reproduction

[edit]

Individuals reach their sexual maturity after one or two years. After total sexual segregation during most of spring and summer, the mating period starts at the end of summer, sometimes during swarming episodes. The mating period is often finishing with the start of the hibernation, but some cases of late mating during winter and early spring have been observed[16] Around May–June, each pregnant female gives birth to one or two newborn juveniles which she breastfeeds up to 6 weeks.[17]

Echolocation

[edit]

The barbastelle has two main call types used for echolocation. The frequency parameters of call type 1 lie between 30 and 38 kHz, have most energy at 33 kHz and have an average duration of 2.5 ms. The frequency parameters of call type 2 lie between 29 and 47 kHz, have most energy at 38 kHz and have an average duration of 4.1 ms.[18][19][20]

Distribution

[edit]

This species is rare and most of the time decreasing throughout its range. Some historical data from the 19th century [21] refers to the presence of western barbastelles in Senegal. This data is considered as doubtful.[5]

Albania
So far, only four specimens of this species were recorded in Albania. The specimens were caught in 2005 near the Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park, close to the border with North Macedonia.[22] This national park is well known for its beech forest, part of the UNESCO site "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe".[23]
Belgium
Barbastelle bats are known to occur within the Sonian Forest of Belgium.[24]
Ireland
This species was reported in 1997 from the west coast of Ireland, based on echolocation calls. Recent surveys and researches assessed this data and concluded to a mis-identification of the echolocation calls, and the absence of this species from the island of Ireland.[25]:
Italy
It is present throughout Italy, including the islands.[9]
Montenegro
The species is present during summer in both Mediterranean and Alpine biogeographic region of Montenegro, on altitudes as low as 80 m and up to 1.700 m a.s.l.[26][27]
Netherlands
The barbastelle has been extinct in the Netherlands since 1984.[2]
Norway
It was considered extirpated in Norway, having only been sighted in 1896, 1911, 1913 and 1949. However, it was again found in 2004 and 2008.[28]
United Kingdom
In Britain, only a few breeding roosts are known; Paston Great Barn in Norfolk, parts of Exmoor and the Quantock Hills in Devon and Somerset (see Tarr Steps), Wimpole Wood in Cambridgeshire, the Mottisfont woodland in Hampshire and Ebernoe Common in West Sussex. The UK distribution can be found on the National Biodiversity Network website here.[29]

Conservation

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This species is protected in the European Union under the Habitats Directive, meaning that habitats and roosts use by this species may be considered for notification as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This species is also listed in the Berne Convention and is specifically targeted by the UNEP-EUROBATS convention. Several national legislation are also protecting this species and its habitats in many countries and regions.

In order to highlight the importance of protecting this species at the European scale, this species was selected as bat species of the Year 2020-2021 by the pan-European NGO BatLife Europe.[30]

Status

[edit]

This species is classified as near threatened (NT) in the worldwide IUCN Red List,[2] while it is considered as vulnerable (VU) at the European and European Union scale [31] and near threatened (NT) in the Mediterranean Red List.[32]

National and regional Red List status of the western barbastelle
Country National Regional
Albania Data deficient (DD) N/A
Austria Vulnerable (VU) N/A
Belarus [33] Endangered (EN) (2016) N/A
Belgium [34] Critically endangered (CR)
Croatia [37] Data deficient (DD) (2006) N/A
Czech Republic [38] Least concern (LC) (2017) N/A
Denmark [39] Vulnerable (VU) (2008) N/A
Estonia [40] Not evaluated (NE) (2008) N/A
France [41] Least concern (LC)
Georgia [42] Vulnerable (VU) (2006) N/A
Germany [43] Endangered (EN) (2008) N/A
Italy [44] Endangered (EN) (2013) N/A
Lithuania [45] Endangered (EN) N/A
Moldova [46] Critically endangered (CR) N/A
The Netherlands [47] Regionally extinct (RE) N/A
Norway [48] Critically endangered (CR) (2015) N/A
Poland [49] Data deficient (DD) (2013) N/A
Portugal [50] Data deficient (DD) (2005) N/A
Romania [51] Not evaluated (NE) N/A
Switzerland [52] Endangered (EN) (2014) N/A
Ukraine [53] Endangered (EN) N/A
United Kingdom [54] Vulnerable (VU) (2017) N/A

References

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Literature cited

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Western barbastelle

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus), also known as the barbastelle , is a medium-sized insectivorous belonging to the family , distinguished by its pug-like face, short rounded nose, small eyes, and broad ears that are joined across the by a thin . It measures 45-60 mm in head-body length, with a of 35-45 mm, a tail of 36-52 mm, and a of 245-300 mm, weighing between 6 and 13 grams; its is long and dark brown to black with white or pale tips on the hairs, giving a frosted appearance, while the ears are covered in gingery-brown . Females are typically larger than males. This species inhabits mature deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and riparian areas across central and , extending to southern Britain, the Mediterranean islands, the , , and the , often at elevations up to 2,100 meters. It roosts primarily in tree cavities, under loose bark, or in rock crevices during summer, preferring high-humidity sites, and migrates to caves, mines, or other underground structures for in winter, where it forms small clusters in dry, low-temperature conditions. Foraging occurs in cluttered environments or over , with the employing a stealthy, low-frequency echolocation system—emitting quiet pulses from both its mouth and nostrils at around 32 kHz—to detect and capture prey such as moths (comprising 73-94% of its diet by weight), flies, and beetles, typically by from foliage or aerial hawking 4-5 meters above the ground. It is a fast, agile flier that emerges before sunset and can travel considerable distances, up to several kilometers from roosts. Reproduction involves autumn or winter swarms, with females giving birth to one (rarely two) young between May and in maternity colonies of 10-100 individuals; juveniles after about three weeks and reach adult size in 8-9 weeks. The Western barbastelle is listed as Near Threatened on the due to ongoing population declines driven by habitat loss from , agricultural intensification, and , as well as threats from pesticides reducing prey and disturbance of roost sites; it is protected under the Habitats Directive and various international agreements, with conservation efforts focusing on preserving old-growth forests and monitoring populations.

Taxonomy

Nomenclature

The western barbastelle was originally described as a new species in 1774 by the German naturalist , who named it Vespertilio barbastellus based on a specimen from , . This binomial name placed the bat within the broad genus Vespertilio, which at the time encompassed many vespertilionid species. The genus Barbastella was subsequently erected in 1821 by British zoologist , with Vespertilio barbastellus designated as the type species, distinguishing it from other vesper bats based on morphological traits such as facial structure. The first use of the modern combination Barbastella barbastellus occurred in 1897 by American mammalogist Gerrit Smith Miller Jr., solidifying its taxonomic placement. Within the family , the species is classified in the subfamily Vespertilioninae, a grouping that reflects its phylogenetic affinities among evening bats. The specific epithet barbastellus derives from the Italian vernacular "barbastello," a form of "barba" meaning , alluding to the dense, bristly facial hairs that create a bearded appearance around the muzzle; an alternative links it to Latin barba () and stella (star), evoking the star-like clusters of these glandular hairs when viewed laterally.

Subspecies and genetics

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) is classified into two : the nominal B. b. barbastellus, which occurs across mainland , , and the region, and B. b. guanchae, which is endemic to the , specifically the islands of and . This two-subspecies classification remains recognized as of 2025. Genetic studies of B. b. barbastellus populations in reveal a high degree of homogeneity, with low levels of observed across sampled regions. Analyses of (mtDNA), including the cytochrome b gene and control region, indicate minimal differentiation among populations in the Western Mediterranean, Iberia, and , suggesting recent or shared ancestry despite geographic barriers like the . More recent genomic approaches using over 46,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from British and Iberian samples confirm this pattern, showing moderate overall differentiation (mean FST = 0.048) but low variation within (FST < 0.015 in Iberia), with higher diversity in some British colonies potentially reflecting historical refugia effects. Phylogeographic analyses of mtDNA further elucidate post-glacial recolonization patterns for B. b. barbastellus, identifying refugia in Iberia, , and the during the , from which populations expanded northward. Italian refugia contributed to recolonization of , including Britain, while Balkan lineages spread to , resulting in distinct but interconnected gene pools that underscore the species' vulnerability to today. In contrast, B. b. guanchae exhibits genetic distinctiveness from mainland populations, supporting its status as a separate with possible ancient isolation in the .

Description

Morphology

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) possesses a distinctive pug-shaped snout that is short and blunt, featuring a flattened face with prominent skin folds around the nostrils, contributing to its unique facial profile adapted for its ecological niche. The ears are large, broad, and triangular, joined across the forehead by a thin membrane of skin, which sets this species apart from other European vespertilionids; the tragus within each ear is prominent, knife-shaped, and extends to about the midpoint of the ear length, often fringed with fine hairs that enhance the "bearded" appearance from which the genus name derives (Latin barba for beard and stella for star). The wing structure is characterized by narrow, pointed wings with a relatively long but not overly wide span, typically measuring 26–29 cm, enabling agile, maneuverable flight including hovering and slow foraging in cluttered environments. The wing membranes attach at the base of the toes, with a large membrane (uropatagium) supported by a slender calcar, allowing the wings to fold closely along the body sides when at rest; this configuration supports precise aerial hawking of in settings. The is specialized for an insectivorous diet, with a dental formula of I 2/3, C 1/1, P 2/2, M 3/3, totaling 34 small teeth that facilitate crushing and processing hard-bodied prey like beetles. The upper second (P2) is notably tiny and often obscured by the larger P4 when viewed externally, reflecting adaptations for efficient mastication in a that gleans from foliage.

Size and coloration

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) is a medium-sized , with a head-body length ranging from 40 to 55 , a length of 35 to 45 , and an average weight of 6 to 13 g. These measurements reflect its slender build, adapted for agile flight in forested environments. The bat's is long and silky, typically dark brown to black on the dorsum, with individual hairs featuring frosted or pale tips that impart a distinctive silvery or frosted sheen. The ventral is paler, often dark , providing subtle contrast to the overall somber coloration. The skin surfaces are dark brown to blackish. Sexual dimorphism is minimal, though females tend to be slightly larger and heavier than males. Newborn pups are significantly smaller than adults at birth and exhibit less developed compared to mature individuals; juveniles overall appear darker than adults due to denser pigmentation in their pelage.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) is native to the Western Palearctic, with its range spanning from and in the southwest to in the east, and extending northward to southern . Its distribution is fragmented across central and southern , including the and , but with notable gaps in areas such as southern central , , , and much of the eastern . The species reaches its highest population densities in central , though it remains one of the rarest bats in western Europe overall. In , the Western barbastelle is scarce and localized; it is absent from , , , , and most of beyond southern . In the , populations are rare and primarily confined to southern and central , with the northernmost records in ; however, significant colonies have been documented in during the 2020s, including what is likely the largest known population exceeding 270 individuals. A distinct, isolated , B. b. guanchae, is endemic to the , where it is confirmed on and but absent from other islands in the archipelago. Historically, the species has experienced contractions in parts of its range, including extinction in the Netherlands by the late 20th century, with no confirmed records since the 1980s. In Norway, it was long considered extirpated after early 20th-century sightings, but the first modern record occurred in 2004, with confirmation in 2008, marking a potential northern expansion. Recent acoustic surveys in the 2020s, including in Albania, have confirmed ongoing presence across the Balkans, with stable detections in protected areas such as the Prespa Lakes National Park, where monitoring since 2012 supports continued occurrence. Overall, populations have declined across much of the European range, though some northern areas show signs of persistence or recolonization.

Habitat preferences

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) exhibits a strong preference for mature woodlands, particularly those dominated by (Quercus spp.) and () forests featuring old, structurally complex trees that provide suitable roosting opportunities. These habitats are characterized by high structural diversity, including a well-developed canopy and , which support the species' requirements for and proximity to resources. The bat avoids coniferous monocultures, such as those dominated by Scots pine (), where occupancy rates are significantly lower compared to deciduous stands. Roosting sites are primarily natural features in trees, including crevices, splits, and areas behind loose bark, with occasional use of rock fissures, building crevices, or structures like bridges. These sites are selected for their seclusion and protection, often in old broadleaved trees where the forms small colonies during the summer. The species shows a clear avoidance of open grasslands and sparsely vegetated areas, favoring instead richly structured environments that offer cover and stability. The altitudinal range spans from to approximately 2,000 m, with records concentrated in submontane and montane belts across its distribution. Microhabitat preferences include areas with elevated availability in the upper canopy layers and close proximity to water bodies, such as rivers, , or , which facilitate drinking without extensive travel. These conditions are essential for maintaining the species' and small home ranges within fragmented landscapes.

Ecology and behavior

Foraging and diet

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) is strictly insectivorous, with its diet dominated by Lepidoptera (moths), which constitute 73–94% of intake by volume across studies, alongside smaller proportions of Diptera (flies, 4–17%) and Coleoptera (beetles, <1%). This specialization targets eared moths, which the bat counters using stealth echolocation to avoid detection. Prey selection favors larger moths with wingspans exceeding 30 mm, consistent with optimal foraging strategies that prioritize high-energy rewards despite abundance of smaller alternatives. Foraging occurs primarily through aerial hawking, with the capturing in flight just above the forest canopy or along woodland edges, supplemented by occasional from foliage in cluttered environments. Individuals travel nightly distances of 1–20 km from roosts to sites, averaging 6–7 km, often commuting to broadleaved woodlands or riparian zones where prey is concentrated. Activity begins at , with emergence typically 25 minutes after sunset (range 12-36 minutes), followed by in intermittent bursts over 4–5 hours, enabling through cluttered via low-amplitude calls that minimize clutter. Seasonally, summer diets emphasize larger moths due to peak availability, shifting to smaller moths in late autumn as flight activity declines; winter foraging is minimal, with bats entering and exhibiting reduced overall activity to conserve energy.

Reproduction

The western barbastelle mates from late summer through winter, primarily in swarming caves, with the mating period typically extending from late to depending on . Females store in their reproductive tract over the period, enabling delayed fertilization that occurs in spring following emergence from . Gestation lasts approximately 60 to 90 days after fertilization, resulting in births from May to . Females typically produce usually one young per litter, occasionally twins. Nursery colonies consist of small groups of 10 to 50 females, often roosting in tree hollows during this period to rear the offspring communally. The young are weaned at around of age and achieve between six and nine weeks, at which point they can forage independently. Females generally reach and begin reproduction at two years of age. In the wild, western barbastelles have a lifespan of up to 23 years.

Echolocation

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) employs a unique bidirectional echolocation system, emitting signals through both the and nostrils to achieve overlapping pulses that facilitate acoustic imaging for and prey detection. Type 1 calls, directed downward via the , serve primarily for spatial orientation in cluttered environments near vegetation edges, while type 2 calls, emitted upward through the nostrils, target prey in more open airspace above the canopy. This dual-emission strategy results in beams separated by approximately 70 degrees, enhancing the bat's ability to monitor both substrate and aerial targets simultaneously. The echolocation calls of the Western barbastelle are frequency-modulated (FM) sweeps, alternating between two distinct types during the search phase. Type 1 calls are shorter, with durations of about 2.5 ms, sweeping from 36 kHz to 28 kHz and peaking at approximately 33 kHz, suited for resolving echoes in cluttered habitats. In contrast, type 2 calls are longer, lasting around 4-5 ms, with sweeps from 45 kHz to 32 kHz and a peak frequency near 38-40 kHz, optimized for detecting distant prey in open spaces. During the search phase, these calls are emitted at a pulse rate of 10-20 per second, with intervals alternating between roughly 60 ms for type 2 and 115 ms for type 1. As the bat approaches and captures prey, the pulse rate intensifies dramatically, exceeding 100 pulses per second in the terminal buzz phase to refine target localization. A key of the Western barbastelle's echolocation is its exceptionally low source levels, typically ranging from 80 to 100 dB peak equivalent level (peSPL) re 20 μPa at 10 cm, which are 20-40 dB quieter than those of comparable aerial-hawking like Nyctalus species that reach 110-130 dB. This "stealth echolocation" minimizes detection by eared moths, allowing the to close within 2-5 meters before triggering evasive responses, thereby enabling successful predation on tympanate . Source levels may even decrease further during the approach and buzz phases, maintaining acoustic secrecy close to the target.

Roosting and migration

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) forms dynamic fission-fusion colonies characterized by frequent splitting and merging of groups, allowing flexible social interactions while maintaining overall colony cohesion. In summer, these colonies can include up to 100 individuals, predominantly in female-only maternity groups that provide stable environments for reproduction, whereas winter roosts are typically smaller, with groups of fewer than 20 bats often comprising mixed sexes for benefits during . Despite strong fidelity to general roosting areas, such as woodlands or structures, individuals and subgroups switch specific roost sites frequently, often every 2–3 days, to optimize conditions and reduce parasite loads. This behavior is observed in both sexes, with males sometimes roosting solitarily or in smaller subgroups during summer. The is largely non-migratory but undertakes short-distance seasonal movements of up to 100 km in autumn to reach hibernacula, such as caves, mines, or tree crevices, where bats enter to conserve energy through winter. In regions with mild winters, some individuals forgo migration and remain in summer tree roosts, relying on their high cold tolerance. Radio-tracking studies from the 2020s reveal that Western barbastelles commute an average of 5–10 km nightly from roosts to grounds, emphasizing the need for connected habitats along these routes to support energy-efficient travel.

Conservation

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) is classified as Near Threatened on the global (as of 2025), with a decreasing population trend. In , the species is assessed as Vulnerable under the European Red List of Bats, reflecting observed, estimated, or suspected population declines in the past and projected into the future, primarily due to . Europe-wide population estimates are challenging due to the species' elusive nature and patchy distribution, with an overall declining trend. Conservation status varies nationally, with the species listed as Critically Endangered in , , where it faces severe local declines, and as Endangered in , where populations are fragmented and rare. In contrast, populations in parts of the , such as , are considered stable within forest habitats, though overall numbers remain low and vulnerable. Population monitoring follows standardized protocols established by EUROBATS, including acoustic surveys, hibernation counts, and roost assessments to track trends across Europe. In the UK, the 2024 National Bat Monitoring Programme surveys (report published 2025) confirmed the species' presence at all monitored Special Areas of Conservation sites, with ongoing woodland-focused efforts suggesting potential stabilization in select areas linked to habitat management, though robust trend data remains limited due to small sample sizes.

Threats

The primary threat to the Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) is habitat loss, primarily driven by deforestation and urbanization, which reduce the availability of old-growth forests and dead or dying trees essential for roosting and foraging. Intensive forest management practices, such as the removal of standing dead wood and veteran trees, further exacerbate this issue by eliminating key roosting sites behind loose bark or in tree crevices. Urban expansion fragments remaining woodlands, restricting access to suitable habitats and contributing to population isolation. Climate change poses a significant by altering patterns and prey availability, with warmer winters potentially disrupting the species' preference for cold hibernacula and leading to changes in overwintering behavior. Projections indicate a northward range shift, with substantial habitat loss and fragmentation expected in by 2050 due to shifting and patterns. Additionally, climate-induced changes in — the primary prey of Western barbastelles—could mismatch timing with emergence, reducing food resources. Other human-induced factors include use in agricultural areas, which diminishes prey populations and affects success. from urban and infrastructure development interferes with echolocation-based , potentially increasing energy expenditure and predation risk. Wind turbines represent a collision , particularly during migration, although studies suggest Western barbastelles may exhibit lower attraction to turbines compared to other bat species, with displacement around installations adding indirect pressure. In the 2020s, emerging threats include disease outbreaks analogous to , caused by the fungus , which has been detected on European bats including Western barbastelles and could lead to physiological stress during if virulence increases. While no widespread impacts on roosts have been documented specifically for this bat, ongoing habitat degradation may heighten vulnerability to such pressures in the future.

Conservation efforts

The Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) receives legal protection under Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC), designating it as a priority species requiring the establishment of Special Areas of Conservation within the network to safeguard its habitats and populations. It is also listed on Appendix II of the on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, which mandates strict protection and habitat conservation measures across signatory states. Additionally, the species is covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS), administered by UNEP, which promotes research, monitoring, and coordinated protection efforts throughout its range in . Key conservation programs have highlighted the species' vulnerability and mobilized resources for its protection. In 2020–2021, BatLife Europe, a network of over 35 national bat conservation organizations, selected the Western barbastelle as the "Bat Species of the Year" to raise public awareness about its dependence on old-growth forests and the need for habitat preservation, resulting in targeted campaigns and educational initiatives across member countries. In the , the species is prioritized under the UK Action Plan (now integrated into the Post-2010 Framework), with specific actions emphasizing the identification and legal safeguarding of roost sites in mature woodlands to prevent disturbance and destruction. Ongoing conservation actions focus on habitat enhancement, monitoring, and mitigation of environmental pressures. In , the "Protecting and Promoting the Barbastelle Bat" project (2018–2024), funded through EUROBATS and national programs, implemented restoration measures such as the installation of artificial structures and the retention of deadwood in managed s to support maternity colonies and areas. Similar efforts in , under the EEA Grants program, have involved creating crevice-style boxes and supplementing habitats to improve roosting conditions in commercial woodlands. Monitoring networks, including the European Monitoring Network and acoustic survey protocols, track trends and occupancy using standardized methods like surveys and passive detectors to inform . Advocacy for reduced pesticide use has been integrated into broader conservation strategies, with organizations like the Bat Conservation Trust promoting to preserve insect prey availability, as pesticides have been linked to declines in populations critical for the species' diet. These initiatives have yielded successes, such as increased bat activity observed in restored forest patches following bark beetle outbreaks, which create suitable deadwood habitats, and the completion of multi-year projects that have enhanced roost networks in low-density regions. However, gaps persist, particularly in developing climate-adaptive strategies; projections indicate potential northward range shifts and habitat fragmentation under future warming scenarios, necessitating expanded connectivity within protected areas like to mitigate these risks.

References

  1. https://www.batcon.org/bat/barbastella-barbastellus/
  2. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Barbastella_barbastellus/
  3. https://www.bats.org.uk/about-bats/what-are-bats/uk-bats/barbastelle
  4. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/part/79609
  5. https://doi.org/10.3161/001.005.0201
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=59449
  7. https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.14540
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22490279/
  9. https://siedliska.gios.gov.pl/images/pliki_pdf/publikacje/methodological_guides/1308-Barbastella-.pdf
  10. https://www.science.smith.edu/departments/biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-557-01-0001.pdf
  11. https://www.batmonitoring.org/en/species/barbastella-barbastellus/
  12. https://www.bio.bris.ac.uk/research/bats/britishbats/batpages/barbastelle.htm
  13. https://www.eurobats.org/species/barbastella-barbastellus
  14. https://sac.jncc.gov.uk/species/S1308/
  15. https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/western-link-threatens-probable-largest-barbastelle-bat-colony-uk
  16. https://bioone.org/journals/acta-chiropterologica/volume-5/issue-2/001.005.0201/Phylogeography-of-Barbastelle-Bats-Barbastella-barbastellus-in-the-Western-Mediterranean/10.3161/001.005.0201.full
  17. https://secemu.org/en/meet-the-bat-of-the-year-2020-the-barbastelle/
  18. https://www.worldspecies.org/ntaxa/952625/R
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