CONSERVATION ISSUES: Natterer's bats are relatively rare in Northern Ireland, or indeed Ireland, and are considered vulnerable. Main threats to populations include disturbance to roosts, especially the development or destruction of suitable buildings, loss of suitable linear features or 'flight lines' and loss or degradation of woodland habitats. The use of timber treatments and pesticides also have an impact on populations.

Protecting Legislation:

• Schedules 5, 6 and 7 of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985
  
• Annex IV of the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats and Species Directive).
  
• Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (1979)
  
• Included under the Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (1991)
  
  

© Jon Russ 2001. Text refereed by Angela Ross & Lynne Rendle.

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