Why are bats endangered?
Loss of natural roost sites such as trees which, are removed for development, and change of land use, and suitable trees (old ones with holes in) being cut down, for public safety reasons. Caves roosts are often visited by vandals and are used in recreational activities with little or no regard for bats living there. Buildings that bats use are refurbished and modified, sometimes destroying the roost and it’s entry. Ignorance is one of the main factors. Bats are generally portrayed as vermin, and unfortunately many of the public still believe this. Land use change from woodland to arable farmland and removal of hedgerows and loss of ponds all contribute to a decline in bat numbers. Fragmentation of the landscape, in this manner, also plays a part. Use of insecticides, pesticides and animal medicine lead to reduced numbers of the insects that bats eat. Climate change could also have a big effect; during a particularly long winter, some bats may not survive the hibernation as they use a
