Bat population suffers at hands of humans

A new report on the state of the UK's bat population has called on the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland to work alongside police in combating crimes against this protected species.

Published by the Bat Conservation Trust and the RSPB, today's report revealed that bat's are suffering extensively at the hands of humans.

The project has shown that the number of bat-related offences is much greater than had been initially anticipated. Of these offences 144 were identified during the two years of the project, yet this is suspected to be merely the tip of the iceberg.

Worryingly for bats, 67% of these offences were committed by the building and construction trade, for example when replacing soffit boards or renovating derelict buildings such as barns.

Commenting on the report, Amy Coyte, Chief Executive of the Bat Conservation Trust, said: “We were aware that bat roosts were being destroyed but had no idea about the level.

“This report provides concrete evidence for the first time that bat crime is rife in the UK, and that the major perpetrators are developers. We are aware of the need for development but this must be done sustainably, taking bats into account before building work starts and ensuring that the appropriate legal procedure is followed”.

The report recommended that local police work in close partnership with the statutory nature conservation organizations (ie the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland) and volunteer bat workers around the country to better enforce the bat legislation.

Today's report is a culmination of results of a two-year partnership project between the Bat Conservation Trust and the RSPB investigating bat crime.

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