Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii

ialtóg Nathusius

The first confirmed Irish breeding colony of this bat was discovered in May 1997 near Lough Neagh. Since then it has been found around the northern and eastern edges of the lake and in Co. Down. The Nathusius’ Pipistrelle has been recorded by bat detector in several counties in the Republic but has not yet been confirmed breeding here. This bat has similar features to the two Pipistrelles above so it is possible that it has been under-recorded in roosts, or the Irish population may be recent in origin. Recent research by the Centre for Irish Bat Research suggests that its population is expanding due to global warming. The Nathusius’ Pipistrelle is migratory in Europe, migrations of more than 1,600km have been recorded between summer and hibernation sites. It is not known whether the Irish population migrates within or from Ireland to another country to overwinter. The Nathusius’ Pipistrelle often forages over water or along forest tracks.