The brown long-eared bat is one of the most common of our nine recorded bat species and is found all over Ireland. As night falls, these remarkable little mammals emerge from their daytime roosts to feed on a wide variety of nocturnal insects. As the name implies, long-eared bats have strikingly long ears… almost ¾ of the length of their bodies. When resting the ears are … [Read more...] about Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus)
Mammals
Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus)
As its name suggests the pygmy shrew is small. In fact at just 2.5 to 6g (0.09 to 0.2 oz) in weight it is by far Ireland's smallest mammal and ranks as one of the smallest in the world. The pygmy shrew is our only shrew species, and along with the hedgehog, is one of only two insectivores (animals whose diet consists predominantly of insects and other invertebrates) found in … [Read more...] about Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus)
Leisler’s Bat (Nyctalus leisleri)
Leisler's bats are considered rare throughout their European range, except here in Ireland, where the species is common and widespread. The Irish Leisler's bat population is the biggest in Europe, and Ireland is a significant European stronghold for this, our largest bat species. Although it is our biggest bat, Leisler's Bat is still quite small, with an average body length of … [Read more...] about Leisler’s Bat (Nyctalus leisleri)
Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is common throughout Ireland in both rural and urban habitats. Elusive, and largely nocturnal, the fox usually stays well hidden and many people, particularly in our cities, go about their lives completely oblivious to the proximity of this striking mammal. Adult foxes grow to around a metre (3.28 foot) in length and weigh between five and seven kilos (11-15.5 lb), … [Read more...] about Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Reports suggest that the earliest record of hedgehogs in Ireland stem from County Waterford at around the time that the Normans arrived in the 13th century. However and whenever these endearing little mammals arrived they have certainly become a firmly established native and something of a favourite with people. Hedgehogs are 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) long and weigh between 1.5 … [Read more...] about Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
