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.

Whiskered Bat
Myotis mystacinus
Ialtóg ghiobach

This bat is widespread throughout Ireland but is nowhere particularly common. This regional scarcity is reflected in the small numbers found in the roosts. It tends to be solitary, clinging to the wall or inside a crevice for the winter hibernation. In summer it occurs in small numbers (less than a dozen) in the corners at the end of roof trusses in attics. In appearance it is more furry than its close relations. The hind toe extends about half the distance from the foot to the point of the tail; the 'tragus' in the ear is pointed but only half the length of the ear. The flight dimensions are: wingspan 23 cm (9 inches); width 7.5 cm (3 inches).

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