| How you can help Devon's bats | |
|  | | Greater Horseshoe Bats are doing well in Devon |
| | Devon is a stronghold for several species of bat, whose numbers are declining dramatically in the UK. To find out just how many roosts there are in the county - and across the country - a survey is being carried out...and YOU can help.
|
| | | There are 16 different types of bat in the UK - and many of those varieties can be found right here in Devon.
In fact, for some species - such as the lesser horseshoe and the greater horseshoe - their only "homes" left in the country are in parts of Wales and the far South West.
Devon now has Britain's biggest population of greater horseshoe bats, and the largest roost in western Europe.
Of 5,500 greater horsehoe bats nationwide, Devon is home to a third of them - around 1,800. The reason is the habitat and conditions. The greater horseshoes like hedges and warm weather.
And the favourite meal of young bats is the dung beetle, which can be found is cow manure...and we have a lot of cows in Devon.
 | | A close-up view of a greater horsehoe bat |
Other bats found in Devon include the most common species - the pipistrelle, the bigger noctule, and the rare barbastelle.
Like many other creatures, bats have become increasingly at risk because of modern farming methods, the use of pesticides, and the loss of habitat.
Indeed, of the 16 species left in the UK, six are endangered or rare, and another six are listed as vulnerable. Bats and their roosts are now protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
To keep tabs on their numbers, the Bat Conservation Trust is - for the second year running - holding a nationwide count.
The Sunrise Survey 2003 is taking place on Saturday 26th July, and it is down the public to make the count a success.
The trust is calling on people to get up bright and early - as bats are active around 45 minutes before sunrise - and observe an area where bats like. This could be outside your own house, or within a short walking distance.
Bats like nooks and crannies, so places to look include buildings - old and new - bridges, churches, barns, stone walls, tree holes, and big trees.
If you can't take part on 26th July, you can conduct your survey of a site on any date three weeks either side of that day.
Once it knows about the sites, the trust will be able to monitor them over time, to get a picture of which areas are thriving or struggling. It's all part of the National Bat Monitoring Programme.
To find out how to take part, visit the trust's website, linked from the left hand side of this page.
You won't need any equipment (apart from an alarm clock!) - so don't hang around on 26th July - get up early and see if you can spot some bats near your home.
Article first published: 20th May 2003
| | | |
|
| | Weather |  | | Monthly statistics, features and information. |
| E-cards |  | | Send an e-postcard of glorious Devon to a friend. |
| In Pictures |  | | Browse through our vast selection of photo galleries. |
BBC Devon
Broadcasting House
Seymour Road
Plymouth
PL3 5BD
(+44) 01752 229201
devon.online@bbc.co.uk
|
|
