Common bent-wing bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Common bent-wing bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Miniopterus
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| Species: |
schreibersii
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The common bent-wing bat is a type of bat that eats insects. It is also known as Schreibers's bat. These bats are part of a group called Miniopterus schreibersii. They are found in many parts of the world. This includes southern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The bat's name honors Carl Franz Anton Ritter von Schreibers.
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About the Common Bent-Wing Bat
The common bent-wing bat is not just one type of bat. It is a group of very similar bats. Scientists call these different types "subspecies." There are 13 known subspecies of the common bent-wing bat.
For example, the southern bent-wing bat is a subspecies found in southeastern Australia. Sadly, this bat is critically endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. Another subspecies is the northern bent-wing bat. It lives in northeastern Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Some bats that used to be part of this group are now seen as their own separate species. These include the eastern bent-wing bat and the Australasian bent-wing bat.
Where They Live and Sleep
Common bent-wing bats live in very large groups called colonies. These colonies can be huge, with thousands or even millions of bats! They often make their homes in big caves or old mines. They can also be found in tunnels or old buildings.
When they sleep, especially during colder times, they hang in a special way. They form a "bell-shaped" cluster. This helps to trap their body heat. It makes the roost warmer than the rest of the cave. This way, they don't have to shiver as much to stay warm. This saves their energy.
These bats also like to enter their roosts through small openings. This helps keep them safe from bigger animals that might try to eat them. Common bent-wing bats often move to different roosts during the year. This depends on the weather. Some bats have been known to travel very long distances. One bat was recorded flying 833 kilometers!
What Threatens These Bats?
The common bent-wing bat is currently listed as "near threatened." This means they could become endangered if things don't change. Scientists are trying to understand why more of these bats are dying.
In Europe, researchers believe a few things are causing problems. These include losing their underground homes. Disturbances to their habitats also hurt them. The use of pesticides, which are chemicals used to kill insects, is another big concern.
In Australia, scientists found high levels of a chemical called DDT in these bats. This was even found in young bats that had not yet left their maternity roosts. DDT is a strong pesticide. Researchers think this chemical might be a reason for the bat deaths there.
Where You Can Find Them
The common bent-wing bat lives in many countries around the world. You can find them in places like:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Cameroon
- China
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Ethiopia (possibly)
- France
- Georgia
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guinea
- Hungary
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya (possibly)
- North Korea
- South Korea
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Sierra Leone
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Switzerland
- Syrian Arab Republic
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Images for kids
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Common bent-wing bat on a 2016 stamp of Romania
See also
In Spanish: Murciélago de cueva para niños
