Plecotus teneriffae

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Photographer: 
Jens Rydell
Plecotus teneriffae
Species authority: 
Barrett-Hamiton, 1907
(EN) Canary Long-eared Bat; (FR) Oreillard de Tenerife; (DE) Kanaren-Langohr; (ES) Murciélago orejudo canario;
Class: 
MAMMALIA
Order: 
CHIROPTERA
Family: 
Vespertilionidae
 
Species details: 

The Teneriffe Long-eared bat is a large bat with a wingspan of 250 - 290 mm, very dark grey-brown dorsal fur, which contrasts with the lighter coloured belly.

This species can occur in woodland habitats (e.g. pine forests) up to 2 300 m and roosts in rock crevices in volcanic caves and tunnels. 

Its prey consists of moths and occasionally long-horned beetles, which it captures by gleaning or aerial hawking.

IUCN status: 
Vulnerable
Population Trend: 

Decreasing according to the IUCN Redlist.

Geographic Range: 

This species is endemic to the Canary Islands and have so far only been observed on Tenerife, La Palma and El Hierro.

Threats: 

Possible threats to P. teneriffae include the use of pesticides on agricultural land, loss of woodland habitat and disturbance and destruction of roosts.