Mammal · GBIF taxon 5218464
Kuhl's pipistrelle
Pipistrellus kuhliiAlso known as Kuhl's Bat
Kuhl's pipistrelle is an adaptable small bat recognizable by the thin, clear white border running along the trailing edge of its wing membrane. Active early in the dusk, it swoops around streetlights and open water, relying on rapid echolocation calls to capture swarming insects. Female colonies gather inside building crevices and tree hollows each summer to nurse one or two pups.
NocturnalInsectivoreUrban Wildlife
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Moths
- Mosquitoes
- Midges
Predators
- Barn Owl
- Tawny Owl
- Domestic Cat
ThreatsPesticide depletion of insect prey, roost loss, light pollution
HabitatsUrban areas, Mediterranean shrublands, temperate forests, gardens
Life span5–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyVespertilionidae
- SpeciesPipistrellus kuhlii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- May bite if cornered and carry bat lyssaviruses; observe at a distance without handling.
- Why it is dangerous
- Capable of inflicting a sharp defensive bite and carrying European bat lyssaviruses, which cause rabies-like illness.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for tiny brown bats fluttering around streetlights with a thin white border along the trailing wing edge.
- What to do
- Never touch or scoop up a grounded bat with bare hands; contact a certified local wildlife rehabilitator.
Responsible observation
- Dusk Watching: Position yourself near streetlamps or quiet ponds shortly after sunset to spot their nimble acrobatic flight.
- Echolocation Detectors: Use an ultrasonic detector set around 36 to 40 kHz to hear their distinctive echolocation clicks.
- Roost Respect: Keep building gaps and bat boxes undisturbed during early summer while mothers nurse young.
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