Noctule bat
Nyctalus noctul
Status:
The Noctule is a native species probably with a widespread distribution in Snowdonia occurring in most river corridors and associated broadleaved woodlands. The species has European Protected Species status in the UK and is threatened by loss of roost sites and foraging habitat.
This is predominately a tree bat, using natural rot holes or cavities excavated by woodpeckers in both summer and winter. In Snowdonia the species has been under-recorded as natural roost sites are difficult to find. Bat detectors can confirm identification so most records for Snowdonia have been through the use of these devices.
As the species emerges at sunset it can be often seen as a big bat flying high and fast with aerial hawking for big insects over pasture, rivers and lakes. Large moths, cockchafer beetles, craneflies and caddisflies are all favoured prey. Individual bats make between 1 and 6 foraging bouts per night, with lactating females making significantly more than non-lactating individuals.
Female noctules gather at nursery roosts in early summer (which may exceed more than 50 individuals). Females give birth to a single baby in mid-late June and the nursery roost generally stays stable until the juveniles are weaned in August. During the summer males may be more mobile moving between sites and may roost alone or in small groups. However, individual males may establish territorial mating roosts between August and October, where harems of females may also be encountered at this time.
The greatest recorded longevity for this species is 8 years, and this is one of the few species prone to being predated by peregrines, hobbies and sparrowhawk (possibly because of its relatively early emergence at dusk and high flight)