Found across Europe and parts of Asia, from the British Isles to Siberia, this tiny creature is a master of survival, perfectly adapted to a life in darkness. But what truly makes the Brandt’s bat stand out among its winged kin is its astonishing longevity—for an animal that weighs only a few grams, it can live up to 40 years, making it one of the longest-lived mammals relative to its size in the world.
Brandt’s bats are nocturnal insectivores, feeding mainly on moths, midges, beetles, and mosquitoes, which they catch in flight using echolocation. Their high-frequency calls, far beyond human hearing, bounce off objects and help them navigate and pinpoint prey with remarkable precision. They hunt mainly in wooded areas near water, zigzagging low and fast to snatch insects out of the air or off the surface of ponds. During the day, they roost in tree holes, attics, caves, or old buildings, often sharing their roosts with other small bat species. They are social creatures, forming small colonies in summer, particularly among females raising their young.
One of the most extraordinary aspects of Brandt’s bats is their longevity and resistance to aging. Despite their fast metabolisms and high activity levels—traits usually linked to short lifespans—these bats can live over four decades. Scientists studying them have found that they age very slowly, maintaining strong muscle function, sharp senses, and fertility well into old age. This has made the species a focus of aging and genetic research, as understanding how such a small animal can live so long might provide insights into human longevity. Researchers have discovered unique genes related to DNA repair and metabolic control, as well as efficient antioxidant systems that protect cells from damage.
Distribution
Albania
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
United KingdomAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Colony
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
