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Group of rare bats found in Nottinghamshire wood

05/06/2011 11:42:31

RARE: A Leisler's bat. Photo Forestry Commission

Leisler's bat population thriving

May 2011: The little known Leisler's Bat - also known as the hairy-armed bat - is described as locally rare in England and is second in size only to the noctule bat with a wingspan of up to 33cm.

But Forestry Commission experts checking 18 boxes in the 100 hectare Elkesley Wood, near Retford, were surprised to discover no less than 26 Leisler's bat in just one box. Other species detected during the survey included one pispistrelle and 18 natterers.

Forestry Commission ecologist Adrienne Bennett said: ‘We first found Leisler's bats in the wood last year, but not in these numbers. They are very thin on the ground, so it really is great to see them doing so well here and taking advantage of our bat-box scheme.'

Dramatic decline in bat numbers
Bats have suffered a dramatic decline in numbers over the past century and are on the European Protected Species list together with otters and the dormouse. However, the Forestry Commission is working hard to create bat-friendly habitats.

FACT FILE: Leisler's bats

Leisler's bats were formerly known as hairy armed bats due to the long hair around the back and shoulders.
The maximum recorded age is nine years old, but they may live longer.
They are primarily woodland bats, but also inhabit parkland and urban areas.
They emerge shortly after sunset and feed on flying insects, such as moths and beetles.
In the summer they roost in buildings, bat boxes and tree holes, sometimes with noctules.
Given their similarity, Leisler's are sometimes also knows as lesser noctules.

The bat survey at Elkesley is carried out once a year and involves licensed rangers climbing ladders to check boxes. Any sleepy residents are carefully lowered to the ground and sexed and the species noted before being returned to their slumber.

Adrienne continued: ‘Bat boxes make up for the lack of natural holes in conifer trees and also allows us to keep tabs on their welfare. Bats are tough creatures to study; elusive and active at night. But the effort is well worth it as they are fascinating animals and a good indicator of the health of the local environment.'

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