This unique reference is suitable for all bat enthusiasts, whether they are beginners, students, professionals or conservationists. It covers for the first time in one volume, all 51 bat species that occur across Europe and Northwest Africa, taking in to account recent taxonomic advances and new species descriptions from over the last few years. Extensive introductory chapters reveal the remarkable biology of bats and explore the latest findings in bat evolution and echolocation. The in-depth species accounts discuss life history, conservation status and identification. Beautifully illustrated, it includes distribution maps, beautifully detailed diagrams and over 400 breathtaking colour photographs.