CONSERVATION ISSUES: Recent data shows that the species is extremely rare in Northern Ireland and is considered vulnerable. At present, threats to the species would appear to be reduction in insect prey due to degradation of water quality, loss of foraging habitat, especially woodland, treelines and hedgerows plus exclusion requests.

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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