Dietmar Nill / naturepl

Alcathoe Bat (Myotis alcathoe)

Myotis alcathoe

Avg Lifespan

Unknown

Size

Length: 3.8 - 3.46cm; Wingspan: 20 - 25cm; Weight: 3.5 - 5.5g

Status

Native and listed Data Deficient on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive.

Surveying Services

Biological Sample Analysis

Overview

Described in 2001 as separate species and added to list of UK resident bat species in 2010. Alcathoe bats closely resemble other species within the Myotis genus, such as Brandt’s and whiskered bats.

Unfortunately, limited information is available about this species and its distribution in the UK.

They are typically found roosting in woodlands near water and around cave entrances in the autumn.

Sampling Advice

A dropping sample with sufficient biological material to be used as a reserve is required in case the extraction is unsuccessful the first time: the fresher a sample is, the more likely the test will be able to extract viable DNA.
Other viable sample types include fur/hair, tissue and blood.
Samples can be taken using a bat dropping collection kit or using your own secure containers/resources.