Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii

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 Counties Wicklow, Cavan and Galway but it has not yet been confirmed breeding in the Republic. 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. 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.