CONSERVATION ISSUES: Ireland is a European stronghold for Leisler's bats and the species is considered common but vulnerable. The main threats to bats are the loss of roosts, especially maternity sites and a reduction in its insect prey. Roosts are lost as a result of disturbance or destruction by exclusions or the use of toxic timber treatments. The reduction in insect prey can be due to highly intensive farming practices, the use of pesticides and ivermectins against livestock parasites and the destruction of feeding areas.

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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