Wildlife

Wild Bat Population Monitoring and Welfare

Bat populations face multiple welfare threats including roost disturbance, wind turbine collisions, and white-nose syndrome requiring conservation action.

Key Facts

UK has 18 breeding bat species, all fully protected under law
White-nose syndrome caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans has killed millions of bats in North America
Wind turbine barotrauma is a significant mortality cause for migratory bats
Roost disturbance during hibernation causes fatal energy expenditure
Noctule and common pipistrelle are among the most affected by habitat and roost loss

Welfare Considerations

Bat mortality from barotrauma at wind turbines is instantaneous, but white-nose syndrome causes prolonged suffering as bats starve during winter hibernation after waking repeatedly. Roost disturbance during hibernation prevents energy conservation and causes fatal starvation. Bat-sensitive turbine curtailment during high-risk periods significantly reduces barotrauma casualties.

What You Can Do

Support bat conservation organisations including the Bat Conservation Trust
Avoid disturbing bat roosts and report known roosts for registration and protection
Advocate for wind turbine curtailment requirements during bat activity peaks