Bats
Historically, the Ulster Museum has been recognised as a centre of expertise regarding wildlife in Northern Ireland, with staff responding to a variety of enquiries including bats. However, when the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 gave full protection to bats and their roosts, the number of bat-related calls received by the Museum increased substantially. At that point a person was appointed to deal specifically with these enquiries. This post has evolved over the years within the Museum and continues to be funded by Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).
Since 1985, the number of bat-related calls received by CEDaR’s Vertebrate Officer has increased from about 100 to around 500 per year. Of these, about 50% are referred to licensed members of the Northern Ireland Bat Group and NIEA staff. The remainder are followed up by the Vertebrate Officer.
Enquiries range from a general interest to dealing with fear of bats, requests for talks and advice on the bats or their roosts. Experienced, licensed bat roost visitors will offer advice on bats, the law or collect sick and injured bats.
An information booklet - Focus on Bats - is available from CEDaR. If you would like a copy please contact CEDaR on +44 (0) 28 9039 5264
What are Bats
Bats have existed on earth for a very long time with the oldest known fossil dating from around 60 million years ago. They are quite unique in that they are the only mammals capable of true flight. At present there are eight species of bats recorded in Northern Ireland, all very small and living totally on insects. For instance - a Pipistrelle (our smallest bat) can eat over 3000 midges in one night! Our bats are well adapted to night flight using ultrasonic echolocation by which they navigate as well as detecting and catching their insect prey. Like other mammals, they are warm-blooded, suckle their young, are intelligent and have a complex social behaviour.
They are shy, harmless creatures that don’t ‘suck blood’, get caught in one’s hair or gnaw anything, but they do make a valuable contribution to our environment.
Fortunately for bats, there is a local group dedicated to improving the bats’ lot. The Northern Ireland Bat Group was formed in 1985. It is a working group of enthusiasts, some of whom give talks; some members are licensed to carry out roost visits, whilst others take care of injured bats. The Bat Group may be contacted via email at records@bats-ni.org.uk or via CEDaR on +44 (0) 28 9039 5264.
