Bats factfile

By ksmith

● There are 16 different types of bats in Devon. 'C' denotes common, 'U' - uncommon, 'R' - rare, 'V' - very rare. They are: Pipistrelle (P.pipistrellus) (C); Pipistrelle (P.pygymaeus) (U); Pipistrelle (P.nathusii) (V); Long Eared brown (C); Long Eared grey (V); Whiskered (U); Brandt's (R); Natterer's (U); Daubenton's (U); Bechstein's (V); Greater Horseshoe (R); Lesser Horseshoe (U); Noctule (U); Leisler's (R); Serotine (U); Barbastelle (V)

● Bats are the only flying mammals. They feed on insects and those sharing homes post no health hazard. They do not build nests or gnaw wood and are not blind

● Bats generally form maternity colonies from late spring to early autumn. The female has one baby a year and baby bats need a warm, undisturbed site to grow for five to six weeks until weaned and independent

● The decline of bats is blamed on many factors including toxic timber treatment chemicals in lofts which can be fatal, roost sites lost through misunderstanding, vandalism, blocked access holes, mine capping and tree felling

● Bats and their roosts are given special protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation Regulations 1994. These make it illegal (without a licence) to kill, injure or disturb a bat, or to damage or obstruct access to any place that a bat uses for shelter