Sardinian long-eared bat
Plecotus sardus (Mucedda, Kiefer, Pidinchedda & Veith, 2002)
Vespertilionidae
Vulnerable
| Other names | |
|---|---|
| Catalan | Orellut sard |
| Spanish | Orejudo sardo |
| English | Sardinian long-eared bat |
| French | Oreillard de Sardaigne |
| Basque | Belarrihandi sardiniar |
| Galician | Orelludo sardo |
Description
Medium-sized long-eared bat, with a forearm length between 40.9 to 42.3 mm and a weight betweeen 7 to 8 g. Greyish-brown dorsal dur and paler cream-coloured ventral fur, both clearly delimited. Older individuals present a slightly-pigmented face.
The tragus is the longest of all long-eared bats, between 18 to 19.8 mm, and the shape of the penis allows it to be identified from the other Sardinian long-eared bats, the grey long-eared bat (Plecotus austriacus) and the brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus).
Distribution
Sardinian endemism, it is known from only three closely restricted areas in central Sardinia.
Roosts and phenology
Very few colonies are known. It uses natural caves in karstic areas, but also attics, viaducts and tunnels. The known colonies range from a dozen to 200 animals.
It is considered a sedentary species.
Habitat and diet
Usually found in forested areas near the coast or at low elevations. The known habitats around the roosts include olive groves and cork oak forests.
Its ecology is largely unknown, but it is believed to hunt moths in structure-rich Mediterranean forests.
Echolocation
Typical echolocation of the Plecotus sp. phonic group, they are composed of two harmonics, the first one starting at 45-53 kHz and dropping to 17-21 kHz. The two harmonics overlap each other slightly.
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 Italy by the Eurobats Agreement, Bern Convention and EU Habitats and Species Directory. Roost disturbance (as a result of tourism) and habitat loss (caused by forestry) are the main threats to the species.