Cornish Biodiversity Network  -  Supporting Wildlife Recording

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Cornish Red Data (2009)

The descriptive text, below the map, is from the Cornish Red Data Book (2009). The map on this web page depicts the organisms distribution and shows the records made pre-2000 and those made since.

Myotis brandtii - Brandt's Bat



Range & Status

Before 1970 Brandt' s and Whiskered bats, which are difficult to tell apart, were regarded as a single species, the Whiskered Bat, and are still sometimes recorded as Whiskered/Brandt' s. Consequently, the current situation regarding the distribution of Brandt' s Bat is not entirely clear. It is found throughout Europe and is widely distributed in Asia. It is endangered in Germany and Austria. Colonies are scattered throughout England and Wales with small numbers in Scotland and are probably declining. The estimated population is 22,500 in England, 500 in Scotland and 7000 in Wales (Harris et al ., 1995).

Regional Distribution

Locally distributed in Cornwall. Was present in 4 1km squares (1980-1996) and now only recorded in 3 1km squares. As the variables between survey periods would tend to result in an increase, this may indicate a decline that is of concern. This needs to be investigated further as it could be an apparent decline related to misidentification but if not then this decline will need attention focused on it so that action can be taken to prevent it continuing.

Habitat & Ecology

Woodland, hedgerows, meadows, and river valleys are important hunting grounds. In summer it roosts in buildings or hollow trees and hibernates in mines or caves in winter.

Threats

See Introduction. Disturbance in roosts and inappropriate woodland management.

Conservation

Extensive legal protection detailed in Introduction. Low risk of extinction worldwide (IUCN status, 2001).

Source:

I.J. Bennallick, S. Board, C.N. French, P.A. Gainey, C. Neil, R. Parslow, A. Spalding and P.E. Tompsett. eds. 2009. Red Data Book for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 2nd Edition.Croceago Press.

The Cornish Red Data Book Project was led by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Federation for Biological Recorders (CISFBR). The full text and species accounts (minus the maps) are available on the CISFBR website.



Cornish Biodiversity Network. 2017.