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Wildlife
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- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
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- Close
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- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
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- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
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- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
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- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
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- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
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- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

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Home // Discover wildlife // Facts and figures // Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat

Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat

Status

Native and rare

Population

Unknown

Scientific name

Pipistrellus nathusii

Like common and soprano pipistrelles, a Nathusius’ pipistrelle could fit into a matchbox, with its wings folded. It is slightly larger than the other pipistrelles, with broader, longer wings. It has shaggy, reddish brown fur and a paler underneath, with a dark face and ears. Its flight is slightly faster – but less manoeuvrable – than that of common and soprano pipistrelles, and insect prey are caught in the air. Nathusius’ pipistrelle is a migratory species and in mainland Europe, individuals fly many hundreds of kilometres in late autumn and spring. A small breeding British population is resident all year, probably topped-up by winter migrants from the Continent.

Wingspan: 22 – 25cm
Weight: 6 – 15g
Lifespan: Up to 16 years

Reproduction

Mating occurs between early September and November. Maternity roosts of up to several hundred females form during April and May (typically in wall cavities), and one or two pups are born to each female in June or July. The young are able to fly after about four weeks and are weaned by six weeks.

Diet

Midges, mosquitoes, mayflies, lacewings and small moths.

Summer roosts

Tree hollows, spaces in buildings and cracks in walls.

Winter roosts

In Europe, crevices and rock fissures, cracks in walls, caves and tree holes.

Habitat

Deciduous and mixed woodland, occasionally farmland; nearly always near water (hunting over lakes and rivers.

Ultrasound

Similar to common and soprano pipistrelles but their peak frequency is lower, at about 39 kHz.

Status and conservation

GB Red List: Near Threatened (NT); Vulnerable (VU) in Scotland and Wales.

Population size and distribution

No population estimates exist for Great Britain. The population trend is unknown. It is likely that numbers in Great Britain increase in late winter and decrease at the start of spring due to migration. They are widely distributed throughout Britain, but rare.

Did you know?

Nathusius’ pipistrelle was first recorded in Britain in 1940, as a vagrant, but its status was upgraded to winter visiting migrant as records accumulated. In 1997, a breeding roost was found and four maternity roosts are now known in the UK.