Hanak's pipistrelle
Pipistrellus hanaki (Hulva & Benda, 2004)
Vespertilionidae
Vulnerable
| Other names | |
|---|---|
| Catalan | Pipistrel·la de Hanak |
| Spanish | Murciélago de Hanak |
| English | Hanak's pipistrelle |
| French | Pipistrelle de Libye |
| Basque | Hanak pipistrelo |
| Galician | Morcego de Hanak |
Description
The smallest European bat species, it has a forearm length of 26.9 to 31.1 mm and a weight between 3.5 to 4.9 g. Uniformly dark brown pelage, with adult males presentin lighter hairs on the head and brighter behind the ears.
The cells in the wings are the same as in the common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and the penis is similarly coloured. This makes it possible to distinguish it from the sympatric Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) and Nathusius' pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii). The populations of Crete could represent a different species.
Distribution
It is only found in Cyrenaica in eastern Lybia and in Crete.
Roosts and phenology
Female roosts mainly in trees (olive groves and oak trees), but also in buildings. Known nursery colonies are small, from one individual to up to 20 animals. Males are solitary and are found in oak trees and also rock crevices. These roosts are frequently switched. Females occur at lower altitude than males. In early June, one or two pups are born.
Habitat and diet
Found in Mediterranean hardwood deciduous areas and Mediterranean forests. On Crete it is found in the whole range of habitats up to 1,000 meters above sea levels, usually prefering forests habitats in old oak stocks and lowland forests.
Very agile hunting flight, mainly in the canopies of oak trees, but also in overgrown orchards and olive groves. Edges of settlements and street lamps are also used. Hunting areas can be visited up to more than 3 km from the roost.
Echolocation
Echolocation calls very similar to the common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) with peak frequencies of 43.6 to 55.2 kHz, with higher frequencies related to short modulated calls close to vegetation, while lower calls up to 10 ms of duration in open areas.
Status
According to The IUCN Red List, this species is considered Vulnerable with a decreasing population trend. These bats are protected by national laws in many countries by the Eurobats Agreement, Bern Convention and EU Habitats and Species Directory. The limited range of the species may be its main threat. It is also threatened by intensive forestry practices, forest extraction from old oak forests, large forest fires and the use of pesticides.