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.

Natterer's Bat
Myotis nattereri
Ialtóg Natterer

This is a widespread and locally common Irish bat. In some roosts 500–600 may be found together in the attics of buildings. During winter they hibernate in caves or other dark passages but are difficult to locate as they favour long, narrow cracks and crevices.

The upper fur is greyish brown, sharply contrasting with the white underfur. The 'tragus' in the ear is long and pointed – more than half the ear length. The best feature is the tail skin. This has a curved edge with a fringe of bristles along the edge. Flight dimensions are: wing span 28 cm (11 inches); width 9 cm (3.5 inches).

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