Cyprus is host to as many as 18 species of bat including several horseshoe bat species (Rhinolophus spp.), Serotine (Eptesicus serotinus), Natterer’s (Myotis nattereri), Savi’s Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus savii) and Grey Long-eared (Plecotus austriacus). Importantly, it is the only EU member state with the Egyptian Fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus), with resident populations in caves at Akrotiri and Episkopi. This rare species feeds on fruits, flowers and leaves and is the only fruit bat capable of echolocation. |