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Protected mammals - Bats

What are they?

There are at least nine species of bat to be found in Scotland.  The most numerous and familiar of these are pipistrelles, which can be seen flitting about near woodland or open water at dusk, in search of midges and other flying insects.  A single pipistrelle can consume up to 3,000 midges in one night!

Find out more about bat ecology...

How are they protected?

All bat species found in Scotland are classed as European protected species and are fully protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).  This lists a number of offences in relation to bats and the places in which they live.

Offences

The following provides a summary of the offences in the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) in relation to bats.

It is an offence to deliberately or recklessly:

  • capture, injure or kill a wild bat;
  • harass a wild bat or group of bats;
  • to disturb a wild bat in a roost (any structure or place it uses for shelter or protection);
  • to disturb a wild bat while it is rearing or otherwise caring for its young (this would be a 'maternity' roost);
  • to obstruct access to a bat roost or to otherwise deny the animal use of the roost;
  • to disturb such a wild bat in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are, likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of that species;
  • to disturb a wild bat in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are, likely to impair its ability to survive, breed or reproduce, or rear or otherwise care for its young.

It is also an offence to:

  • damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal (note: this does not need to be deliberate or reckless to constitute an offence);
  • keep, transport, sell or exchange or offer for sale or exchange any wild bat or any part or derivative of one (if obtained after 10 June 1994).

Licensing and bats

Licences are available to allow specified people to carry out actions that could otherwise constitute an offence.  As with any European protected species, licences can only be issued for specific purposes  PDF document that are set out in the legislation.  If you are planning any activities that could affect bats or their habitats, you should make sure that you stay within the law.

 

 

*Please Note* The summary of legislation and list of offences on this page are not comprehensive, and is intended for use as a guide only.  For a definitive list of offences you should consult the actual legislation.  It is also important to note that this is the law in Scotland, elsewhere in the UK the legislation may differ.