National Nathusius' Pipistrelle Survey COVID-19 guidance

National Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Project (May-October)

Risk assessment
Now that this project has met its original aims we are putting the trapping surveys on hold while we review the remaining evidence gaps and methods required to fill these.

However, where possible we will still provide support to bat groups who wish to run their own projects to answer local questions. We are continuing to provide the following guidance to help inform how these should proceed from a bat welfare point of view.

The IUCN Bat Specialist Group has produced guidance and risk assessments for assessing whether to go ahead with bat surveys that involve close proximity to bats (https://www.iucnbsg.org/bsg-publications.html). It is vital to follow all the mitigation measures to reduce risks to bat populations.

It is also important to comply with the relevant current government instructions. See the following links: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey or Alderney as appropriate.

We have updated our risk assessment templates for surveyors to include COVID-related risks to people and bats. All accompanying survey documents can be seen and downloaded on the NNPP webpage.

BCT will reassess the overall risk level based on any new guidance from the IUCN bat specialist group or other new information that comes to light about potential risks to bats.

Surveys
We are encouraging participation in acoustic surveys to identify likely sites for trapping. This type of survey carries less risk, and can be beneficial to confirm suitable trapping locations following two years without records. However, trapping and radio tracking surveys can currently go ahead providing adequate risk assessments have been done and best practice is being adhered to.