Barbastella

Found across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, this genus is small but full of characters. They are part of the family Vespertilionidae, the so-called “evening bats,” but barbastelles stand out thanks to their unusual faces, specialized echolocation, and secretive lifestyles.

Physically, barbastelles are distinctive and easy to recognize compared to other bats. They have a flat, pug-like face with a short snout, wide nostrils, and forward-facing eyes that give them a slightly comical or even “squashed” look. Their ears are also remarkable: broad, rounded, and joined at the base across the top of the head, creating a kind of “mask-like” appearance. This unique facial structure isn’t just for looks—it’s thought to help direct their echolocation calls in unusual ways. Their fur is typically dark brown or black, often frosted with lighter tips that give them a smoky, silvery sheen.

One of the most fascinating traits of barbastelles is their stealth hunting technique. Unlike many bats that use loud echolocation clicks, barbastelles produce unusually quiet, low-intensity calls. Scientists think this makes them harder for insects to detect, especially moths, many of which can hear bat calls and escape before being caught. By whispering instead of shouting, barbastelles can sneak up on prey undetected.

In terms of habitat, barbastelles prefer woodlands, forests, and mountainous areas, where they roost in tree crevices, under bark, or occasionally in buildings. They are known to be very sensitive to environmental changes, which makes them good indicators of ecosystem health. Their secretive nature also means they are often under-recorded, and in many regions, they are considered rare. The western barbastelle in particular has faced declines in parts of Europe due to habitat loss, deforestation, and the reduction of old trees that provide its roosting sites.