Past deforestation of Mediterranean Europe explains the present distribution of the strict forest dweller Myotis bechsteinii

► Landscape history may strongly influence present species richness and abundance patterns. ► In both Atlantic and Mediterranean areas bats selected roost features likely providing a more favourable energetic balance. ► Smaller foraging areas and ranges support the idea of higher habitat quality in the Mediterranean. ► Is not likely that prey availability strongly limits the presence of the species in either region. ► Bechstein's bats current distribution reflects the severe deforestation in the Mediterranean.