Mammals

Mammals (Mammalia) are a class of vertebrates. There are about 5,000 to 6,000 mammal species worldwide, of which only about 1% live in water. Typical characteristics of mammals are nursing the offspring with mother's milk, body hair and that - with a few exceptions (cloacal animals) - the offspring are born alive.

Ein Fischotter an einem kleinen Bachlauf im UNESCO-Biosphärenreservat. — An otter in the nature reserve Moorrinne from Klein Salitz to the Neuenkirchener See.

Apart from the otter (Lutra lutra), which is regularly found in many places in the Biosphere Reserve, around 40 mammal species are currently known.

Ein Biber schwimmt im Wasser. — The beaver is Germany's largest rodent.

Some time ago, the beaver (Castor fiber) migrated into the area via the Schaale.

The Biosphere Reserve with its richly structured landscape is a high-quality habitat for bats in many areas. Nine species have been identified so far. Two species can be presumed to occur, as they have been found in the surrounding area:

Eine Breitfledermaus an einem Baum. — Serotine bats do not shy away from people. They are often found on roof ridges or even in the attic.

serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus)
common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
Nathusius' pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii)
common noctule (Nyctalus noctula)
lesser noctule (Nyctalus leisleri)
brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus)
Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentoni)
Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri)
Brandt's bat (Myotis brandti)
pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) ?
whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) ?