All 18 UK bat species are legally protected; bat populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss, roost disturbance, and agricultural change.
Bats face welfare challenges including roost disturbance, pest control poisoning of their invertebrate prey, and collision with wind turbines. Maternity roost disturbance during summer causes mother-pup separation and pup death from exposure. Bats have remarkable longevity — pipistrelles can live over 16 years — meaning each individual matters significantly to population viability. Building renovation that destroys roosts, even legally with mitigation, causes direct harm. Proactive roost provision and careful building management protect both bat welfare and conservation.