Tragic end for long distance pipistrelle

A record-breaking bat that flew more than 1,200 miles (2,018 km) from London to Russia died after being attacked by a cat.

The female Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat, the size of a human thumb, was discovered in Russia’s Pskov region.

The bat, whose wing had a “London Zoo” marking, was rescued by a bat rehabilitation group but later died.

It is the furthest recorded journey by a bat from Britain across Europe, beating all known British records.

The pipistrelle bat, which weighed 8g (0.3 oz), was discovered by Russian resident Svetlana Lapina in the small village of Molgino and the finding was reported to the Bat Conservation Trust in the UK.