London: Poyser, 1998. Octavo, illustrations, fine copy in dustwrapper.

The Brown and Grey Long-eared Bats (lecotus auritus and austriacus) are amongst the commonest European bat species and familiar to most naturalists, easily spotted on the wing by virtue of the long ears after which they are named. In fact in Britain the Brown Long-eared Bat is the second commonest bat after the Pipistrelle. They are attractive creatures and favour human habitation and other buildings as roost sites, adding to their familiarity with man.
Bats vary a good deal in their ecology and nowhere is this better demonstrated than in these species. Each shows special features and behaviours that suit them to their particular favoured habitats and food supply. In this book, Susan Swift first explains the characteristics of Long-eared Bats and how to tell the various species apart. She then describes all aspects of their ecology and behaviour, showing how modern ' research techniques have shone light on their fascinating lives. She examines their anatomy and how this is adapted to lifestyle. How their foraging behaviour is aided by their huge ears, and how the habit of foliage gleaning affects their diet and activity cycles. How their high reproductive energy requirements are reconciled to the short summers and fluctuating food supplies of northern latitudes. Predation, hibernation and mating systems are also described.