Biodiversity Bats

Bat species recorded on or near the reserve

Name Pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus - two species separated but not yet named.

45 kHz Pipistrelle 55 kHz Pipistrelle

Description Our smallest bats, usually medium to dark brown on the back, slightly paler underneath. head & body 35 - 45 mm, weight 4 - 8 g, wingspan 190 - 250 mm.

Feeding habitat Over water, marshes, woodland edge, hedges, gardens, round street lights.

Summer roosts Buildings, trees.

Winter roosts Buildings, trees.

Preferred food Midges, caddis flies, mosquitoes, mayflies, lacewings, small moths.

Flight pattern Fast jerky flight as they dodge after insects which are eaten in flight.

Echolocation

Calls range from 40 - 60 kHz. One species peaks on 45 kHz, the other on 55 kHz. so they are often referred to as ‘45’s’ and ‘55’s’.

Social calls Audible chattering may be heard before they emerge from their maternity roosts. Social calls made in flight in autumn are between 20 - 30 kHz, heard as a ‘chonk’.

Status

Reserve Both pipistrelles have been recorded on the Reserve and along the river, feeding over the water and around the trees by the lake and near the centre.

Kent Both species are widespread in Kent and commonly seen and heard in summer, but are rarely found in hibernation

Britain Abundant throughout the UK.

Europe Abundant and widespread.

Conservation Has probably declined in numbrs as a result of changes in agricultural practice. As it relies heavily on buildings it is very vulnerable to renovation work, toxic timber treatment chemicals, and intolerance by people. A priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.


	Bat species recorded on or near the reserve
	Name	*Pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus* - two species separated but not yet named.**
	45 kHz Pipistrelle 55 kHz Pipistrelle
	Description	Our smallest bats, usually medium to dark brown on the back, slightly paler underneath. head & body 35 - 45 mm, weight 4 - 8 g, wingspan 190 - 250 mm.
	Feeding habitat	Over water, marshes, woodland edge, hedges, gardens, round street lights.
	Summer roosts	Buildings, trees.
	Winter roosts	Buildings, trees.
	Preferred food	Midges, caddis flies, mosquitoes, mayflies, lacewings, small moths.
	Flight pattern	Fast jerky flight as they dodge after insects which are eaten in flight.
	Echolocation	Calls range from 40 - 60 kHz. One species peaks on 45 kHz, the other on 55 kHz. so they are often referred to as ‘45’s’ and ‘55’s’.
	Social calls	Audible chattering may be heard before they emerge from their maternity roosts. Social calls made in flight in autumn are between 20 - 30 kHz, heard as a ‘chonk’.
	Status
	Reserve	Both pipistrelles have been recorded on the Reserve and along the river, feeding over the water and around the trees by the lake and near the centre.
	Kent	Both species are widespread in Kent and commonly seen and heard in summer, but are rarely found in hibernation
	Britain	Abundant throughout the UK.
	Europe	Abundant and widespread.
	Conservation	Has probably declined in numbrs as a result of changes in agricultural practice. As it relies heavily on buildings it is very vulnerable to renovation work, toxic timber treatment chemicals, and intolerance by people. A priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.