Ratoncito Vasco Pérez
- Bats form the Chiroptera group. Hand “cheir”, wing “pteron”, in the ancient Greek. So, wings in your hands. Being the only mammal that can fly, conquering the air and achieving great success, nearly 1,500 species of bats are described worldwide.
Small pipigeon (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
GROUP: Vertebrate/Mammal.
MEASURE: 3.5-5 cm.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? In all kinds of habitats, even in urban areas.
WHAT DOES IT EAT? Mosquitoes and moths.
LEVEL OF PROTECTION: Sponsored at European level. Many other bat species are listed as “endangered” or “vulnerable” in various catalogues in the Basque Country.
One of the most viewed and well-known bats among us is the little pigeon. It is really small (3.5-5 cm) and lives throughout the Basque Country. It's a conservation enthusiast in cracks and holes and it's found in all kinds of habitats, even in the more urban areas. The sympathetic bat we see in the vicinity of the village lantern is a pigeon. Follow the insects attracted by light, performing great acrobatics to capture them.
It uses state-of-the-art technology: ecolocation. The ultrasound emits with the end and echoes with the ears. This system is used to situate itself and know the shapes and distances surrounding it, with an accuracy of milliseconds and millimeters. “Look” at what is in front of you, the tree, the house, or the bug that you want so much! Where do you think the sensor system comes from to park modern cars?
The small bowls often come together as a group, seeking refuge in the rime. These shelters are often found in the cabins of houses and dwellings, which has their drawbacks for the bat. Often bat colonies are killed or sent away because of the discomfort they can cause. In addition, they lose many shelters by demolishing old buildings, renovations and because in the design of new buildings there are no holes, gaps, cracks, etc. The new buildings and infrastructures need to include some species of birds and bats. The architecture of the future (and of the present) must be compatible with the conservation of some species of unique fauna. We still have a great deal to improve in this area.
This tireless insectivore has lived better times. In addition to threats to urban areas, the intensive use of pesticides in new agricultural models, the transformation of habitats, climate change and invasive species have led to a serious decline in all kinds of bugs that directly affect bats. And nature needs everything, small bugs and small hunters. And so do we. It's time to change our perception of bats and to admire these incredible mammals. Become aware of all the benefits they bring to us and show the respect they deserve. Support the research needed for better knowledge and protective measures.
It looks like it now looks less -- in another time a lot more. It was so well known that in many houses the tooth was thrown into the bat out of the window: “Bat! Take the old yew!” and then: “And the new, the bat apple tree!”
Observing the irregular flights of bats the moment light begins to decrease is a good thing. But will the new generations be able to pull the tooth out of the bat?
