Noctule bats are the UK's largest bat species facing welfare challenges from roost loss, wind turbine mortality, and the collapse of aerial insect prey.
Noctule bats that cannot access sufficient aerial insect prey face energy deficit that compromises reproduction and survival. Roost site loss from tree felling forces bats to find alternatives in increasingly tree-poor landscapes. Wind turbine mortality during migration adds to these pressures. Protecting veteran and ancient trees with noctule roosts and implementing turbine curtailment during high-risk periods directly reduces individual welfare costs.