Where are all the bats?

Several news outlets have published articles reporting that there has been an increase in the reports of malnourished bats, particularly pups, this year and have linked this to a wetter than average weather and a decline in insects.

As stated in the values in our newly published strategy, we will continue to use science and research to build the best possible evidence base to focus our work and shape the advice we give.

While we are concerned and remain vigilant, we are aware that the experience reported by some bat rehabilitators and bat groups is not the same across all parts of the UK. Some bat rehabilitators report no significant variation in the number and condition of bats coming into care while others are very concerned about the increases they are seeing.

It’s important to remember that there are always natural fluctuations in wildlife populations, including bats, which may happen at different scales.

This year’s unusual spring and summer weather can only be speculatively linked to any fluctuations; it is reassuring to know that bat groups and bat rehabilitators continue to monitor what is happening in the areas in which they operate.

The impact of insect declines and climate change on bats are two areas of research that Bat Conservation Trust is actively involved in.

We are gathering the data and conducting research to examine the impact that climate change is having on our 17 breeding bat species. We are currently asking bat rehabilitators, wildlife hospitals and anyone with relevant data to share this with us so we can understand how British bat species are being impacted by our changing climate. We are also working with the University of Bristol and Rothamsted Institute to look at the impacts of insect declines on bats.

The National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP) has been monitoring populations of 11 of the 17 breeding British bat species since 1996.

While NBMP has seen encouraging signs that some species may have started recovering from historical declines, the most recent report showed worrying five-year trends that the recovery may have slowed down for some species while others, such as the brown-long eared bat and the lesser horseshoe bat, have started to decline albeit at different scales.

We need more people to get involved in the NBMP to collect more data so that we can continue monitoring and understand the fluctuations. This data is invaluable at enabling us to examine how different factors may be impacting bat species.

The National Bat Helpline helps provides advice and guidance to anyone who finds a grounded, injured or orphaned bat. This is only possible thanks to the generosity of our members and donors, without who this lifeline would not be available. Donating to the National Bat Helpline is one way to support this vital service which not only saves bats but helps wins hearts and minds.