Nathusius' pipistrelle survey
This September we piloted a new survey at lakes/lochs, focusing on Nathusius' pipistrelle.
Nathusius' pipistrelle is widespread across the UK but considered nationally rare though it may simply be under-recorded. This species is migratory and the biggest influx of bats appears to be in September which is the peak month for in-the-hand and bat detector records. The UK also has a summer breeding population of Nathusius' pipistrelles, though only a handful of maternity roosts are known. For more information on Nathusius' pipistrelle click here.
The key aim of this survey is to improve our knowledge of the autumn distribution of Nathusius' pipistrelle and its migratory patterns across the UK. In future we also hope to look at habitat associations and population changes.
Site allocation
When you sign up we will allocate you a lake/loch that is at least 1km in perimeter and close to your address (ideally within 5km of you but not more than 10km).
Survey method
The survey involves two visits to each lake/loch, one between 1st - 15th September and the second between 16th - 30th September. In advance you will need to visit the lake/loch during the day in order to map out a 1km route around the edge of the lake/loch and mark out ten evenly spaced stopping points on your map. On the surveys bats are recorded while walking between stopping points and for four minutes at each stopping point. The surveys will begin 20 minutes after sunset and should take roughly one hour to complete.
Equipment needed
Ideally you will need a frequency division bat detector (see our Bat Detector information pack for more details) and a digital recorder or mini disc recorder plus an audio connecting lead and headphones. This will enable you to follow the standard survey protocol which will involve making continuous recordings as you walk your route. These recordings will be analysed in order to verify any suspected Nathusius' pipistrelle records. If you have access to sound analysis software and would like to analyse your own recordings then please let us know and we will supply you with the sound analysis protocol for this survey.
If you only have access to a heterodyne (tuneable) detector then you can still take part, as Nathusius' pipistrelle can often be identified with some confidence in the field with this type of detector. However, it will not be possible to verify any uncertain records.
How to take part
The survey has finished for this year, and we will post results as soon as these are available.
The dots represent 10km squares where sites were allocated