Examining the biology, ecology and behaviour of two European bat species - "Plecotus auritus" and "Plecotus austriacus" - this book investigates their behaviour and considers the full range of conservation issues relating to the species. Topics covered include, identifying the species, foraging, reproductive biology, social organization, and the effects of man-made alterations to the environment and proposed conservation methods.

Author Biography

As a Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, Susan Swift studies the foraging behavior and conservation biology of some of Britain's less well-known bat species. She has published a number of research papers on long-eared bats and other Scottish species and has co-edited two volumes of conference proceedings. Swift received her B.S. in zoology from the University of Aberdeen in 1977 and then wrote her Ph.D. thesis on the feeding ecology and reproductive behavior of Scottish bat species, including long-eared bats. She has worked with local conservation organizations as a bat group trainer to promote public awareness of bat habitats and is a member of the Mammal Society and the Bat Conservation Trust.