The Azores bat is the only endemic mammal of the archipelago and is characterized by its diurnal activity, which is unusual among bat species, being possible to observe it during the day.
Description
Nyctalus azoreum has a black coloration on its fur, with a brown colored torso. Thus, its physical characteristics are very similar to the genus Nyctalus, and the Azorean bat is its smallest subspecies in size, reaching a maximum body length of 54 mm, 35 mm tail and 15 grams of weight.
This small mammal is an important part in fighting agricultural pests, due to the huge amount of insects it eats. Typically the Azorean Bat inhabits hollow trunks, caves and holes or crevices in rocks.
It forms maternity colonies between the months of April and October, reaching up to a few hundred individuals.
History
Although it is not known for sure, it is speculated that Nyctalus was accidentally introduced to the Azores, eventually evolving into the species now known as the Azorean Bat.
Conservation status
It is estimated that its current population consists of 2000 to 5000 individuals.
Despite the lack of natural predators in the region it inhabits, this species is currently endangered according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red List of Threatened Species. Due to its geographic isolation this species is more sensitive to natural disasters and habitat destruction. The constant disturbance of important shelters constitutes an enormous threat to an already quite vulnerable species.
Where to find and watch
The Azorean bat can be found on all the islands of the archipelago, with the exception of Flores and Corvo. On the islands of São Miguel, São Jorge and Faial, they are quite common, being rarer on the islands of Santa Maria and Graciosa.
Due to its strong diurnal activity, it is easy to sight the Azores Bat during the day, especially on the islands where its presence is more abundant.
(all images used belong to SIARAM | siaram@azores.gov.pt | Paulo Henrique Silva | paulo.hg.silva@azores.gov.pt)