Shooting Times & Country

Mini mammals in big trouble

It’s that time of year; those long, balmy summer evenings — well some of the time, anyway — and with them, as dusk settles in, comes the sight of bats flitting around the trees, over the water or round the house.

It’s a sight with a very long timeline as there is evidence of bats from more than 50 million years ago; rather longer than we’ve been around. It came as a surprise to me to find out that, as a species, they make up around 20% of all the mammals in the world, and more than a quarter of mammal species in the UK.

Worldwide, bats eat, or live

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Shooting Times & Country

Shooting Times & Country3 min readInternational Relations
Stalking Diary
Davy Thomas is a professional deerstalker and estate manager in the Highlands Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill. For me, a knowledge of the history of the land and those who stood here before me
Shooting Times & Country5 min read
They’re Not Always As Easy As They Seem
It was a gentlemanly clay shoot between two London livery companies, all just a bit of fun. Which meant, of course, that it was seething with a competitiveness that would have embarrassed a Manchester football derby. I’d put in decent scores on the t
Shooting Times & Country3 min read
Sharpshooter
The first rifle sound moderator I ever saw was made in a school workshop. The older brother of a girl I knew built it as his final metalwork project. The teacher was impressed, awarding him top marks. Can you imagine that today? It is worth noting th

Related Books & Audiobooks