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.

Lesser-horseshoe Bat
Rhinolophus hipposideros
Crú-ialtóg bheag

This little bat occupies a westerly range throughout the British Isles – in Ireland most are found west of the Shannon and in Munster. Throughout its range it is local and is regarded as something of an endangered species. In summer it occupies roof-spaces with large open attics – particularly those of castles and undisturbed buildings in rural areas.

In winter it moves to caves, mine shafts and souterrains. Here it can be seen hibernating, hanging by its feet from the roof with its wings wrapped tightly round its body Dracula-style! Most underground passage hold only a few but in some places dozens are found. They are very vulnerable during hibernation and may not survive repeated disturbance. At close range identification is easy due to the horseshoe-shaped face-leaf (which is, in fact, part of the echo-location equipment of the animal). There is no 'tragus' (central lobe inside the ear) as in other bats. The body is the size of a golf ball and furry, brownish above and light brownish below. The flight dimensions are: wing span 25 cm (10 inches); width 7 cm (2.75 inches).

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