Common noctule in Polissia
Nyctalus noctula
Red Data Book of Ukraine: vulnerable Caution: do not handle bats with bare hands: they may carry rabies
The common noctule is one of the largest bats in Ukraine. It has narrow, long wings, short glossy reddish-brown fur and short, rounded ears. In flight it is easy to recognise by its fast, straight flight high above trees and water.
In Polissia the noctule lives in old forests, parks and avenues with hollow oaks, limes and poplars. It hunts over rivers, lakes, forest edges and clearings. The species is found in all of Polissia's regions.
Noctules emerge earlier than most bats, while it is still twilight, so they can be spotted against the sky. By day they roost in colonies in tree hollows. Some of the animals fly south in autumn, while others winter in Ukraine.
All bats in Ukraine are protected. Do not destroy hollow trees and do not disturb colonies. Do not pick up a bat that has fallen to the ground with bare hands: move it into a box wearing gloves, or contact bat rescue specialists.
When to see: April–September, an hour before sunset and right after it
Where it was seen in Polissia
Observations from the open scientific database GBIF since 1990. Locations are shown approximately, to within 10 km.
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