CONSERVATION ISSUES: Threats to the soprano pipistrelle include loss of roosts due to disturbance and use of toxic timber treatments, loss of flight lines such as hedgerows and treelines, and loss of insect prey due to highly intensive agricultural practice. Also may suffer due to the pollution of water bodies.

Protecting Legislation:

• Schedules 5, 6 and 7 of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985
  
• Appendix III of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats.
  
• 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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