BAT STATS Head-body length- Weight- 6-12g Wingspan- 21-27mm Tail Length- 3-4.5mm

DESCRIPTION- The Daubenton's Bat is also commonly known as the water bat, as it is mostly seen hunting low over open water such as ponds, lakes and canals. It is a medium sized bat; the fur is a dark brown on the dorsal side and a grey brown on the undersides. The ears are short and rounded, being dark grey in colour. The face is pinkish. The wind and tail membranes are dark brown. The calcar reaches about two-thirds down the length of the wing membrane. The tip of the tail extends a short way beyond the tail membrane. Distinctive in this species are its large feet, which have been splayed toes during flight. Juveniles tend to be greyer in colour than the adults and have a black chin spot which fades at a about a year of age.

HABITAT- As mentioned above the Daubentons Bat is normally seen flying low over stretches of open water. It prefers areas of water that are surrounded by woodland, and favours slowly flowing waters, and likes the water edges to be uncluttered so that it can easily fly around without becoming entangled in bank side vegetation. It dislikes exposed windy locations. Summer and nursery roosts are usually in tree holes or in small rock crevices. In winter it prefers underground sites such as caves in which to hibernate within. It likes its hibernacula to have a high humidity and have temperatures of between 0 and 6 centigrade.

DISTRIBUTION- It is a common species throughout Britain and most of Europe. It is endangered in Germany.

LIFESPAN- maximum of 40 years, although 18 is more usual.

BEHAVIOUR- Often shares roosts with long-eared and Natterers bats. They emerge 30 minutes after sunset to feed. Will hunt in a regular 'beat', repeatedly flying in the same pattern over the water. It hibernates between September and April, it being one of the earliest species to begin hibernating.

BREEDING- Mating occurs throughout the autumn and winter. Nurseries are formed in April or May and typically contain 20 to 30 females. A single youngster weighing 2.3 grams is born in June or July. The youngsters grow quickly and are able to fly within 4 weeks of being born, becoming fully independent shortly afterwards.