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.

Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Ialtóg fheascrach

This tiny bat with a most lyrical name competes with the Pigmy shrew for the distinction of being Ireland's smallest mammal. They both weigh about 5 grams and have approximately the same body bulk.

The Pipistrelle is a widespread and common bat in Ireland being found wherever there is suitable habitat. It roosts in or around roof spaces, soffit and fascia boards or around window frames and sills in older buildings. It is even found occasionally in electricity boxes and outdoor lamp casings. In winter the Pipistrelle usually hibernates alone, in cracks in the walls of older buildings like churches and in a variety of other nooks and crannies. A single young is born after a delayed implantation period and it can fly within a few weeks of birth. The body fur of this little bat is brown but it is often quite reddish brown. The underbody fur is light brownish. The face is blackish and prominent. The ears are also dark, longer than broad and have a blunt (though narrow) 'tragus' inside. The flight dimensions are: wing span 21.5 cm (8.5 inches); width 6 cm (2.5 inches).

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