Madeira pipistrelle
Pipistrellus maderensis (Dobson, 1878)
Vespertilionidae
Vulnerable
| Other names | |
|---|---|
| Catalan | Pipistrel·la de Madeira |
| Spanish | Murciélago de Madeira |
| English | Madeira pipistrelle |
| French | Pipistrelle de Madère |
| Basque | Pipistrelo madeirar |
| Galician | Morcego de Madeira |
Description
Small-sized bat similar in appearance to the Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) with a forearm length ranging from 29 to 35 mm and a weight between 3 and 5.7 g, with females being larger than males. Dark brown fur and darker skin compared to the Kuhl's pipistrelle. Like the latter, it has a clear edge on the posterior part of the wing membrane, usually extending up to the fifth finger, although this feature is not present in individuals from Madeira and only in some individuals from La Palma.
Distribution
Macaronesian endemism found in the Canary Islands on the islands of La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Tenerife, as well as on the island of Madeira.
Roosts and phenology
It roosts in Canary Island palms (Phoenix canariensis), abandoned houses and structures, in cavities or cracks in rock walls and slopes. The limited breeding data known suggest that breeding occurs between June and July. Breeding colonies are almost exclusively composed of females. Breeding colonies have been found in vaults of abandoned structures, between tiles on houses, cracks in sea cliffs, and nest boxes for insect-eating birds.
The breeding shelters used during the reproductive period are often used by both sexes at other times of the year. It is a completely sedentary species, making only short movements between breeding and hibernation shelters. In winter, it tends to prefer rocky shelters, and although it can hibernate, this species can remain active throughout the year if conditions are favorable.
Habitat and diet
It is found in a wide variety of habitats, from low and open areas to pine forests and laurel forests. It is by far the most observed bat species in the islands. It can be found from sea level up to 2,150 meters in altitude.
It feeds on moths, beetles, and flies near streetlights, along the edges of wooded areas, above bodies of water, and in livestock areas.
Echolocation
Echolocation is similar to that of the common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), with calls ranging from nearly constant frequency (QCF) to highly modulated, with the peak frequency between 45 and 47 kHz. As it is not sympatric with any acoustically similar species, it is easily identifiable.
Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the species is considered Vulnerable, with a negative population trend, and is protected by national legislation in many countries, as well as by the Eurobats Agreement, the Bern Convention, and the Habitats and Species Directive. It is a common species in its distribution area, although populations are believed to be decreasing. The main threats include the destruction of their roosts and the use of pesticides in crops.