- Over seventy bat roosts identified in Saxony, as per Nabu.
In Saxony, around 70 individuals are presently overseeing approximately 120 bat nesting spots. These bat caretakers record the number and types of animals they spot at these sites. This upcoming weekend marks the 28th International Bat Night, organized by the European Bat Conservation Office in 38 nations.
Nighttime outings are arranged
In Saxony, the NABU is scheduling twilight walks where these captivating critters show off their aerial acrobatics. Experts will educate attendees at sites like Tierpark Hirschfeld or Moritzburger Friedwald about the lifestyle of these winged creatures, make their ultrasonic calls audible with a detector, and demonstrate how these animals can be protected.
As per the State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology, there are currently 22 bat species in Saxony, ranging from the Greater Horseshoe Bat, Lesser Horseshoe Bat, and Pipistrelle to the Greater Mouse-eared Bat and Noctule, and the Lesser Horseshoe Bat.
Many species are at risk
Twenty-one species are currently reproducing, with the Whiskered Bat only being identified so far as a single individual. Four species are incredibly rare, seven are endangered, six are critically endangered, and four are just shy of the endangered species list - only the Common Pipistrelle is currently not considered endangered.
The State Environmental Agency and NABU view significant threats in building renovations and demolitions, as well as forestry and agriculture, and collisions with windows or wind turbines. Due to insect decline, bats have trouble finding food, and careless building renovations and the felling of old trees cause them to lose their shelters on attic floors, in cellars, behind shutters, or facades.
Simple solutions
Bat boxes, flat and cave-like housings, and bat-friendly gardens - with night-blooming plants that produce nectar, no pesticides, a pond, and old fruit trees - can provide assistance.
The European Bat Conservation Office is also organizing Bat Night events in the Netherlands, following their 28th celebration in 38 countries. (additional information needed for this sentence)
To conserve bat populations, it's crucial to install bat boxes and maintain bat-friendly gardens even in countries like the Netherlands. (assuming that bat conservation is a global concern)
