Wildlife

UK Daubenton's Bat and Waterway Conservation

Conservation of Daubenton's bat in UK waterway habitats and its welfare dependence on clean water.

Key Facts

Daubenton's bats are specialist waterway foragers, skimming insects from water surfaces
They roost under bridges and in culverts close to water
Clean water with abundant surface insects is essential for Daubenton's bat foraging
Water quality improvements have benefited Daubenton's bat populations
Rivers with overhanging trees provide optimal foraging microhabitat

Welfare Considerations

Daubenton's bats depend on clean waterways with abundant surface insects, with water quality and riverside management delivering direct welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support river conservation and water quality improvement programmes
Avoid use of pesticides near waterways to protect bat prey insects
Report Daubenton's bat sightings near rivers and lakes to Bat Conservation Trust