New ecological data on the noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula Schreber, 1774) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in two towns of Spain

The Iberian Peninsula represents the South-western limit of distribution of thenoctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) in Europe. We present here new ecological and behavioural data for the noctule bat in parks of two towns of Navarra (Northern Spain) which demonstrate its continuous presence throughout the year. Between 1995 to 1998, 148 individuals have been marked and located in 56 shelters. Groups mainly consisted of sedentary males; there were very few females in April-August but they were quite common living in harems during the mating season (September-November). The unusual scarcity of females in relation to males found during autumn 1997 is also commented.