Lesser Horseshoe bats under threat.
Lesser Horseshoe bats & (Rhinolophus hipposideros)
Greater Horseshoe bats
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Early indications from the work being carried out on behalf of Devon County Council's Environmental Impact Survey have revealed a significant presence of European and nationally protected wildlife species along the length of the proposed route.
Several bat roosts have been discovered along the route including significant 'satellite roosts' for both Lesser and Greater Horseshoe bats.
In addition there is an appreciable population of bats within Kingskerswell village itself, including a nationally important nursery roost for the Lesser Horseshoe bat, which is a key European protected species. |
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Detector surveys have shown bats to be foraging and commuting along the whole of the proposed bypass route in appreciable numbers. You only have to visit the area of Kerswell Down at dusk to see these bats feeding on the wing.
The combination of older buildings adjacent to open pastures and meadows is vital to the survival of these species. This fragile balance could easily be destroyed by either the building of the bypass or unsympathetic housing developments.
The following information has been reproduced from The Bat Conservation Trust's web site. It clearly shows how the lowland valley environment, as found along the proposed route; is in fact quite precious and should be protected.
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Lesser horseshoe bats feed amongst vegetation in sheltered lowland valleys. They fly close to the ground, rarely more than five metres high, with frequent circling over favoured areas and often "gleaning" their prey off stones and branches. Large prey is often taken back to a temporary night roost or sometimes dealt with whilst hanging in trees. Feeding remains are found in such places, particularly in porches and the entrance to tunnels.
- This species has shown a marked decline in numbers and distribution particularly in western and northern Europe although there is evidence of a recent increase in some areas. The lesser horseshoe bat is rare in the British Isles and is confined to Wales, western England and western Ireland.
- Conservation
The decline of the lesser horseshoe bat is attributable to several factors including disturbance to roosts and intensive agricultural practices. Lesser horseshoe bats are particularly sensitive to disturbance especially of their nursery and winter roosts. These sites need to be specifically protected and entrance holes left unobstructed. The conservation of their feeding habitats and food sources is of paramount importance. The use of pesticides has probably led to a decrease in their available food source.
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Of particular interest is the advice given by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee in respect of Lesser Horseshoe bats. The JNCC is the UK Government's wildlife adviser, undertaking national and international conservation work on behalf of the three country nature conservation agencies English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales.
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The following information is from the JNCC web site.
- The Lesser Horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros is one of the smallest bats in the UK. During the summer they form maternity colonies in old buildings and emerge to hunt in nearby woodland.
- The species prefers sheltered valleys with extensive deciduous woods or dense scrub, close to roost sites. Where habitat is fragmented, linear features such as hedgerows are important corridors between roosts and foraging areas.
- The bats are vulnerable to the loss or disturbance of both summer and winter roost sites and the removal of linear habitat corridors.
- The lesser horseshoe bat is a widespread but rare species in central and southern Europe, extending as far eastwards as the Middle East. It has suffered widespread population declines, especially in the more northern parts of its range. The UK supports one of the largest populations of this species in western Europe.
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