British Bats

British Bats is a comprehensive account of the natural history of these fascinating animals, from their origins and evolution to their feeding habits and reproduction.

Bats are arguably the most successful and diverse mammals ever to evolve. In Britain, one in three of our native land mammals is a bat. Their ecology and behaviour is fascinating. Few mammals live closer to humans; in fact many species roost unnoticed in our homes, and some are now almost entirely dependent on man-made structures for their survival. Bats are the only mammals capable of powered flight. They are also one of just two groups which have a sophisticated echolocation system (the other being the dolphins and their relatives).

In this book, John Altringham discusses all the different aspects of the natural history of bats, from their origins and evolution to their behaviour, feeding habits and reproduction. He also discusses the threats to the survival of bats, and how we are working to conserve them. Finally, he gives an account of how to watch and study bats in the wild.

Reviews

‘John Altringham has the remarkable ability to explain the complex in a simple and easily understood style’
Nigel Ajax-Lewis

About the author

A Professor of Biomechanics at the School of Biology University of Leeds. John Altringham studies animal locomotion and the ecology of bats and has published over 60 scientific papers on these subjects. He received the Scientific Medal of the Zoological Society in 1994. He is also actively involved in bat conservation, primarily through research and public lecturing.