Distribution of the species
The Lesser mouse-eared bat is distributed in the Mediterranean parts of Europe and Northwest Africa, Crimea, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, from Israel to Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, the Himalayas, the Northwestern Altai, Inner Mongolia, China (Shanxi). In Bulgaria it is a common species, distributed mainly in the lower parts of the country, but in the Western Stara Planina it is found up to 1 400 m above sea level, and in Pirin – up to 2 500 m a. s. l.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
The Lesser mouse-eared bat inhabits areas with rugged terrain – hills; rock openings and wreaths; steep river banks; karst areas overgrown with sparse forests; shrubs; parks; cities. Avoids large steppe spaces. The upper part of the body is light brown, the lower – gray-white. It feeds on large insects – moths, beetles, locusts. It catches its victims in the air, but often collects them from the ground. It inhabits the caves all year round. Forms large summer and winter colonies. Winter colonies are composed of individuals of both sexes. Winter shelter temperatures range from 3 to 12-15 ° C. During the spring and summer, females form large colonies – up to several thousand specimens, in which they give birth (in late May – early June) and raise the offspring. The young begin to fly independently at the age of 30-35 days. The change of deciduous teeth ends on the 45th day, and after the 50th day they stop eating milk and move on to independent living. A maximum life expectancy of about 30 years has been established.
Conservation status
Unfavorable-inadequate.
Conservation state
The Lesser mouse-eared bat is strictly protected species included in Annexes 2 and 3 of the Biodiversity Act (BDA); Annex II of the Bern Convention and Bonn Convention. The species is also included in Annex II and Annex IV of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive). The Lesser mouse-eared bat is included in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species with category Least Concern (LC).
*Note: For the description of bats is used information from: Golemanski, V. & al. (eds). 2015. Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Vol. 2. Animals. BAS & MoEW, Sofia [English ed.: ISBN 978-954-9746-22-8 (IBER – BAS), 978-954-8497-18-3 (MoEW)]; the website of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature); the website of the Federation of nature conservation NGOs “Green Balkans”.