SCHWEGLER 21
BAT CONSERVATION
» GUIDE TO BAT BOX TYPES AND QUANTITY NEEDED
When starting a project to protect Bats we recommend the following quantities
of Bat Boxes are used per 10 hectares together with nestboxes for Birds.
Approximately 15% of the total quantity of boxes put up should be Bat Boxes.
Quantity Type (for 10,000 m2)
10 2F
10 2F with Double Front Panel
10 2FN
8 1FF
2 3FF
4 1FD
3 1FS
2 1FW
1 1FFH
1 2FS oder 3FS *
VV Common Long-eared Bat
The recommended distribution is intended only as a rough guide, for example when initiating Bat conservation projects and in the absence of other
findings or recommendations. Local or climatic variations as well as the
geographical concentration of various species will generally tend to have
a significant influence on the key. It should therefore always be adapted
individually in accordance with the conditions at a particular location.
After a few seasons you will begin to notice that your Bat population will
reveal a preference for particular models of Bat Boxes.
For the greatest success, both Bat Boxes and Birds boxes should be put up
and can be in close proximity. The availability of Bird Boxes will discourage
Birds from occupying Bat Boxes.
* if necessary, to support small Bats
» SITUATION OF BATS
Bats are protected by law but nevertheless all the different species are in serious danger of
extinction. They have already disappeared from some locations. These animals provide proof that legal
protection alone is not enough, wide-scale conservation projects are needed too. Bats form the second largest group
of mammals and are the only mammals capable of active flight. Their scientific name is chiroptera (i.e., flying hand).
They can be found on every continent except the Antarctic and there are 900 different species worldwide.
Bats form the second largest group of mammals, but are the only
ones capable of active flight. Bats are not flying mice, and their scientific
name is chiroptera, i.e. hand-flyers. Bats can be found all over the world, on
every continent except the Antarctic. There are some 800 different species.
Throughout Europe there are more than 30 species of Bats known. In urban
areas Bats not only occupy the masonry of houses but will also settle in
large, undisturbed roof spaces. One that is commonly found in houses is the
Greater Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis myotis). Trees are the preferred habitat of
the Bechstein's Bat (Myotis bechsteinii). Woodland-dwelling Bats include
the Noctule (Nyctalus noctula).
Bats love warmth which is why their roosts generally face south. This is
also why SCHWEGLER Bat Boxes are painted black to absorb heat. Ideal
places to put up Bat Boxes include: open, sunny positions on woodland
tracks, in clearings or where the wind has blown trees over, quiet tree-lined
roads, large gardens, cemeteries and many other sites. Proximity to water
such as ponds or streams is always advantageous.
Because Bats may suddenly decide to move to another location, it is best
to hang up groups of 3 to 5 boxes close together. They should be hung at
heights of between 3 and 6 m. Do not renovate buildings which contain
Bat roosts (or clean out Bat Boxes) before the beginning of September; it
is only then that most of them leave their summer quarters, and Bats are
much more sensitive to disturbance than Birds. When cleaning out Bat
Boxes, simply remove the droppings and do not use any sprays. For the most
effective results use our cleaning tool (Order No. 00 520/5).
Bats have a vital role to play in the balance of nature. Apart from Birds and
spiders, they are among the most important insect predators. They leave
their roosts to feed at twilight, and in this way Birds and Bats cleverly share
their tasks: Birds hunt for insect pests during the day, while Bats take over
at night.
Free pest control. Bats fulfil an important function in the biological control
of insect pests since they need to eat a great deal. Studies have shown
that during the course of a summer each large Bat will consume up to a
kilo of Insects, which amounts to half a million insects. According to the
Russian z oologist Korskof, a single Daubenton's Bat (Myotis daubentonii) will
consume approximately 60,000 Mosquitoes between 15 May and 15 October.
Bats are already well established occupants in our settlements and
buildings. Generally unobtrusive, they can often be found in roof spaces,
large industrial buildings, under motorway bridges, behind wall cladding
and also in basements. It is always important to ensure unobstructed
access to the quarters from outside.
Nowadays there is a pressing need to renovate buildings in order to comply
with energy conservation regulations, which results in the closure of such
accesses, and the new buildings that are being built are so effectively
sealed that the animals can no longer find any suitable accommodation.
The Bats that typically inhabit buildings include the Common Pipistrelle,
Serotine Bat, Natterer's Bat and Barbastelle.
For more than 30 years SCHWEGLER has been developing systems for
installation in or on buildings in order to either preserve existing roosts or,
in the case of new or replacement buildings, to offer new accommodation
for Bats. As shown on pages 46 - 53 numerous ingenious and visually
attractive solutions have been found. In addition to meeting the specific
needs of the animals considerable attention is also given to ensuring that
the design complies with building engineering requirements.
This is where the outstanding properties of wood-concrete provide by far
the best solution. This has ensured many decades of success without any
follow-up costs, making this material much more acceptable to developers,
planners and tradesmen, as well as ensuring the long term effectiveness of
nature conservation measures.
» BATS IN AND ON BUILDINGS
Information