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Species |
Pipistrelle bat - Pipistrellus
pipistrellus, bat |
| Habitat |
URBAN HABITAT |
| Background
and status |
It is believed there are
about two million individuals in the UK, following an estimated 70 per cent
population decline. The pipistrelle is considered to be the most abundant
bat in the UK, but its conservation status is currently under review following
the discovery that the UK’s pipistrelles actually comprise two very
discrete species, which have only been specifically identified on the basis
of their differenct echo-location frequencies. The pipistrelle is currently
listed on the short list of species for which action plans have been drawn
up by the UK Biodiversity Steering Group. It is believed there are under
660 colonies in South West England. |
| Main
Threats |
A reduction in the number
of flying insects, due to intensive agriculture and inappropriate management
of waterways, and a loss of insect-rich feeding areas, such as wetlands,
and hedgerows, have caused problem for this species. Additionally, a loss
of winter roosting sites and disturbance at maternity roosts, particularly
disturbance associated with timber treatments, have caused a decline in
numbers. |
| Conservation
and targets |
To maintain existing numbers and distribution
of pipistrelles and, in the long term, to restore pipistrelle populations
to pre-1970 levels. A review of the relative abundance of each pipistrelle
species will aid their future conservation and help to identify specific
areas of need.
Future conservation effort will focus on the
need to improve water quality, helping to increase the numbers of aquatic
insects. Maintaining and enhancing riverside, hedgerows and woodland-edge
habitats will also assist the pipistrelles, and several other species
of bat.
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