Bat monitoring and protection

Why they are protected

Bats are the only mammal capable of true flight.

There are more than 1,400 different bat species in the world and bats represent around a quarter of all mammals.

Many bat populations have suffered serious declines and must now be protected.

In Jersey, 19 different species have been recorded. Some are present all year round and breed here. Others are occasional visitors that migrate to or across the Island or come here for short visits or by accident.

The most abundant bat in Jersey is the common pipistrelle.

Common pipistrelle on Bat Conservation Trust

Our latest report indicates common pipistrelle populations may be showing signs of recovery. We don’t have enough data on the rarer or less seen bat species to understand their status in Jersey.

All bats are protected under the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021.

Ecological and practical interpretation of definitions disturbance, breeding sites and resting sites of bats

Habitat

In Jersey, all wild bats feed on insects. The bats found at Jersey Zoo are the only ones that eat fruits.

Each different species of bat has its own habitat, roosting and prey preferences.

Some bats prefer dark woodland habitats. Others are more tolerant to light and can be found in more urban environments such as parks and gardens.

Jersey bats are known to roost within tree cavities, buildings and caves.

They are best seen:

at dusk when they emerge from their roosts to feed
at dawn when they return to their roosting sites

Pipistrelles can often be seen flying along green lanes and hedgerows as they feed on warm evenings.

Threats and decline

The main threats to our bats population are:

loss of suitable habitat and roosts
declines in food availability
disturbance and light pollution

Bats usually have only 1 young every year if the female is in good condition.

Because of their slow reproduction, it takes a long time for bat populations to recover from losses.

Conservation efforts

Bats’ roost sites are protected under the law. You must take measures during buildings’ developments to make sure bats continue to have suitable roosting opportunities.

To protect bats in Jersey, we need to understand:

how they use the landscape
where are their important feeding, commuting and roosting areas
their migratory behaviours so we can protect these routes

Our monitoring schemes use bat detectors to record bat calls. These records help determine where a bat was heard and what species it was. We’re helped by students and volunteer organisations.

Monitoring bats:

helps us build a picture of how our bat population is doing
increases our knowledge of their status and distribution

How you can help

Report your bat sightings

You can report your bat sightings to the Jersey Biodiversity Centre or on iRecord App.

If you find a potential bat roosting site, report it on Roostwatch JE.

Signs of a bat roost can include:

seeing bats flying from a building at dusk
finding bats droppings

Roostwatch JE

Protecting bat roosts

If you have a bat roost, and need to control wasps, bees or hornets, cluster flies and rodents.

You should:

use insecticides based on permethrin and cypermethrin. They are safer to use near mammals
use fungicides to treat wet and dry rot. These are approved to use in bat roosts
not place rodenticides in an open tray below roosting bats
never use sticky traps in places where bats might roost such as barns, lofts or roof voids

Property development and maintenance

Bats are very vulnerable to disturbance from property development and maintenance.

If you want to do any work to your property that may affect bats, you should first contact us for advice.

Find more biodiversity guidance for planning applications and developments.

Helping sick or injured bats

If you find a bat on the ground or your cat brings home a bat, it will need specialist care. You should contact either:

If the bat is contained, you can take it to New Era Veterinary Hospital.

To contain a bat you need:

a small box or container such as a show box or a tub with a lid, with small air holes on the sides or lid
gloves to protect your hands from bites or scratches
a small cloth, instead of gloves if needed and to leave in the box for the bat to hide in
a face covering to protect bats from human viruses
a small lid with water so the bat can drink

Use the ‘spider capture’ method to contain the bat. Carefully place the box over the bat and slip a strong card or the lid under the bat to encourage it into the box.

Information for individuals who have been bitten by a bat on GOV.UK