The tiny Nathusius’ Pipistrelle, weighing only 6–10 grams, travels almost 2000 km from its breeding grounds in north-eastern Europe to its main hibernation areas in south-west Europe. Populations in Russia are thought to winter in the eastern Caucasus and the Volga Delta. Recently, the breeding range of Nathusius’ Pipistrelle has expanded towards the west and the south. New nursery colonies have been found in Ireland, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. Only females return to their breeding areas. After their first migration, males usually stay in mating roosts along migration routes or in hibernation areas, and in riverine forests and marshlands. Nathusius’ Pipistrelles may also regularly cross the North Sea as many bats have been found on oilrigs. Nathusius’ Pipistrelle is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS).
From collection: Living Planet: Connected Planet, Rapid Response Assessment
Riccardo Pravettoni, UNEP/GRID-Arendal