Brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus) are one of the UK's most distinctive and widespread bat species, readily identified by their enormous earsâwhich can be nearly as long as their body. Like all UK bats, they are fully legally protected, and their welfare depends critically on roost protection and appropriate building management.
Brown long-eared bats are slow, highly maneuverable fliers that hunt moths and other insects by gleaningâtaking prey directly from leaves and surfaces rather than catching in flight. Their large ears enable passive listening for prey movement sounds, complementing echolocation. They typically roost in roof spaces of traditional buildingsâchurches, old farmhouses, barnsâwhere they form maternity colonies of 10-50 females in summer.
Building renovation: Timber treatment chemicals (particularly lindane and permethrinânow banned but still present in old treatments) have caused mass mortality of roosting bats. Modern treatments are less toxic but can still displace roosts. Any building work affecting a bat roost requires a European Protected Species licence. Temperature extremes: Roost spaces that become excessively hot in summer (due to lack of insulation or ventilation) can kill young bats before they can thermoregulate. Predation: Cat predation of emerging bats at roost sites is significant. Keeping cats indoors at dusk during the bat activity season reduces mortality.
Installing bat boxes (long-eared bats prefer crevice-type boxes rather than open boxes), maintaining old buildings with bat-accessible gaps, and supporting insect-rich habitat in surrounding areas all benefit long-eared bat welfare.
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