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Environment : Bats
Did you know there are 16 different species of bats in Britain? The most common is called the Pipistelle. It's very small at only 4cm long, which is about the size of your thumb, and weighs 5 grams, which is less than a 10p coin!!
Bats aren't blind but can 'see' in the dark as this is when they fly most often. When it is dark they send out a high pitch call and listen to the echoes. That way they can tell if they are going to fly into anything!
Bats live in quiet places and often roost in modern houses. They don't make nests. They simply creep into cracks or small spaces and don't like draughts. In the winter bats hibernate in caves or hollow trees where it is cool.
Female bats give birth to a single baby usually in June or July.
A baby Pipistrelle is as small as a bee! They have wings but bats are mammals and not birds. This is because the mothers feed their young with their own milk. Bats can live up to the age of 30 in our years.
All British bats are protected by law. This is why Crossrail has to find out where the bats are. They can then be protected if the railway is going to affect where they live.
Bats aren't blind but can 'see' in the dark as this is when they fly most often. When it is dark they send out a high pitch call and listen to the echoes. That way they can tell if they are going to fly into anything!
Bats live in quiet places and often roost in modern houses. They don't make nests. They simply creep into cracks or small spaces and don't like draughts. In the winter bats hibernate in caves or hollow trees where it is cool.
Female bats give birth to a single baby usually in June or July.
A baby Pipistrelle is as small as a bee! They have wings but bats are mammals and not birds. This is because the mothers feed their young with their own milk. Bats can live up to the age of 30 in our years.
All British bats are protected by law. This is why Crossrail has to find out where the bats are. They can then be protected if the railway is going to affect where they live.
