Brown long-eared bats are medium-sized with ears nearly as long as the body. However, this is not always obvious: when at rest they curl their ears back like rams’ horns, or tuck them away completely under their wings leaving only the pointed inner lobe of the ear (the tragus) visible.
This bat’s huge ears provide exceptionally sensitive hearing – it can even hear a ladybird walking on a leaf!
The scientific name of the brown long-eared bat is Plecotus auritus.
Brown long-eared bats typically roost in old trees and large roof voids, such as Baronial homes, Victorian schools and stable blocks. Each female has one baby per year. These bats need good feeding areas close to their maternity roosts as they do not undertake long-distance flights.
As with all bat species in Scotland, brown long-eared bats receive full protection under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).
Photo: © Daniel Hargreaves
Action Needed
- Encourage planners and developers to follow the Bat Conservation Trust good practice guidelines for bat surveys.
- Encourage the use of bat access slates both in new build and renovation work.
- Promote the protection and creation of habitat which is rich in insect life.
- Avoid introducing artificial lighting in areas known to be or potentially used by brown long-eared bats for roosting, foraging and commuting. Look for opportunities to reduce existing artificial lighting in such areas.
- Promote the monitoring of bats so we can have a better knowledge and understand of their distribution, as well as their roosting and foraging habits in Scotland.
- Ensure the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy is fully implemented.
Threats
The main threats for the brown long-eared bat are loss of roosts due to conversion of old properties without retaining access for bats, as well as fragmentation and loss of habitat, with artificial lighting having a big impact. Brown long-eared bats are also susceptible to pesticides, especially their use in roofs where it often roosts on exposed timbers.
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