Greater Mouse-eared Bat
Myotis myotis
The greater mouse-eared bat is a European species of bat in the family Vespertilionidae.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_mouse-eared_bat
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Chiroptera
Family
Vespertilionidae
Genus
Myotis
Greater Mouse-eared Bat belongs to the family Vespertilionidae, order Chiroptera, within the Mammalia class.
Species Profile
The greater mouse-eared bat is a European species of bat in the family Vespertilionidae.
The Greater Mouse-eared Bat faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development, which eliminates foraging areas and roost sites. Disturbance and destruction of critical roosting sites in caves, buildings, and other structures, combined with pesticide use that reduces insect prey availability, have contributed to significant range contractions across Europe.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
The greater mouse-eared bat can be found throughout Europe, with populations in most European countries except Ireland, Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is also found on many Mediterranean islands, such as Sicily, Malta, and the Gymnesian Islands. In the Middle East, Myotis myotis has been found in Turkey, Israel, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. It possibly lives in...
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Greater Mouse-eared Bat faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development, which eliminates foraging areas and roost sites. Disturbance and destruction of critical roosting sites in caves, buildings, and other structures, combined with pesticide use that reduces insect prey availability, have contributed to significant range contractions across Europe.
Habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural intensification
Pesticide use reducing insect prey availability
Roost site disturbance and destruction in caves and buildings
Climate change affecting hibernation and foraging patterns
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (EN).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Greater Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis myotis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/greater-mouse-eared-bat