UNEP/EUROBATS

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

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Photographer: 
Branko Karapandža
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Species authority: 
Schreber, 1774
(EN) Common Pipistrelle Bat; (FR) Pipistrelle commune; (DE) Zwergfledermaus; (ES) Murciélago enano;
Class: 
MAMMALIA
Order: 
CHIROPTERA
Family: 
Vespertilionidae
 
Species details: 

The Common pipistrelle is a small, dark brown bat with no fur on its tail membrane and a wingspan of 180-240mm. It has an agile and erratic flight and uses a hawking technique to prey on small insects. This species forages in a wide range of habitats, such as open woodlands, over wetlands, farmland, semi-deserts and urban areas. P. pipistrellus frequently roost in crevices in buildings and trees but can also hibernate in underground sites during severe winters. P. pipistrellus is a rather sedentary species, with summer and winter roosts often only 20km apart. However, long distance migrations have also been recorded.

IUCN status: 
Least concem
Population Trend: 

Stable according to the IUCN Redlist.

Distribution map of Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Geographic Range: 

The range of the P. pipistrellus extends from the British Isles through southern Scandinavia, over much of Europe to the Volga and Caucasus. It also occurs through parts of north-western Africa (Morooco, Algeria and Tunisia) and south-west Asia to central and eastern Asia.

Threats: 

As a high proportion of colonies are found in buildings, the species may be particularly vulnerable to other anthropogenic factors, such as disturbance, timber treatment and building renovation.

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