Mediterranean horseshoe bat

Rhinolophus Euryale in flight

The Mediterranean horseshoe bat ( Rhinolophus Euryale ) is a bat from the family of horseshoe bats.

With a maximum of 58 mm body length, a weight of 8 to 17.5 g and 30 to 32 cm wing span makes it one of the medium-sized species. The top of the animals is gray-brown and light purple or tinged reddish, the underside is gray - white to yellow. The coat is loose, lips and nose are naked.

The IUCN classifies the Mediterranean horseshoe bat as "low risk" a ( near threatened ).

Area of ​​distribution and habitat

One finds the Mediterranean horseshoe bat especially in the area around the Mediterranean, usually not north of the 47th parallel. An isolated occurrence exists in southern Slovakia.

She lives in woody and warm regions, in the mountains and foothills. Karst areas with caves and waters are often populated. The local faithful bat inhabited caves in its northern distribution area also warm attics. The social animal shares the dwelling often with other bat species.

Way of life

The Mediterranean horseshoe bat leaving their homes in the late dusk. In very manoeuvrable Gaukel or Rüttelflug chasing them on warm hillsides or in the foliage moths and other insects. In part, solid feeding receptacles are visited.

The nurseries have up to 400 females, sometimes some males. In winter quarters specimens are encountered until 2000.