This selection of Irish animals, native or introduced, is taken from the Appletree Press title Animals of Ireland. There will be a number of extracts from the book in coming months. The book contains highly detailed full colour illustrations to complement the detailed explanatory text.

Daubenton's Bat
Myotis daubentoni
Ialtóg Dhaubenton

Although this has been nicknamed the 'water bat' other bats are often found hawking for insects at dusk along river banks or over lakes. This bat is widespread and fairly common in Ireland in suitable habitat. In winter Daubenton's bats hibernate usually in ones and twos, in crevices in the upper walls and roofs of caves. In summer the roosts are in the attics of buildings but like those of the former, numbers are small. From close up this bat is distinguishable by its long hind toe and by a fringe of fine hairs along the edge of the tail skin. The 'tragus' in the ear is not as pointed as that of the others of this group. Flight dimensions are: wingspan 23 cm (9 inches); width 8 cm (3.75 inches).

Other Flying Mammals from Animals of Ireland include:
Leisler's Bat |
Lesser-horseshoe Bat |
Long-eared Bat |
Natterer's Bat |
Pipistrelle |
Whiskered Bat