Lepakko

Lepakko is the Finnish word for bat, referring to the flying mammal of the order Chiroptera. The term encompasses all species of bats found in Finland and other Finnish-speaking regions. Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight and play an important role in the ecosystem, primarily as insectivores. In Finnish folklore, bats have sometimes been associated with negative symbolism, although conservation efforts have increased awareness of their ecological importance. The Finnish name "lepakko" is used in both formal scientific contexts and in everyday conversation to refer to these animals. Research on bat populations and conservation in Finland is often carried out using the Finnish term "lepakko" when documenting and discussing the species.