Current status
During this century the greater horseshoe bat has declined significantly throughout northern Europe. In the UK, this species is restricted to south-west England and south Wales, although vagrants may be recorded elsewhere. There are currently 35 recognised maternity and all-year roosts and 369 hibernation sites. Current estimates range between 4,000 and 6,600 individuals.
This bat is listed on Appendix II of the Bonn Convention (and is included in the Convention`s Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe), Appendix II of the Bern Convention (and Recommendation 36 on the Conservation of Underground Habitats) and Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive. It is protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations, 1994 (Regulation 38) and Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Reductions in insect prey abundance, especially loss of old pasture due to high intensity agricultural systems.
Loss, destruction and disturbance of roosting and hibernation sites.
Loss of insect-rich feeding habitats and flyways, due to loss of wetlands and hedgerows and the conversion of permanent pasture to other arable.
Current action
Approximately 10 maternity roosts and 27 hibernation sites are designated as SSSIs. Five sites have been proposed as SACs for this species under the EC Habitats Directive.
Research continues on at least seven maternity roosts and at many hibernation sites. Recent research has investigated the home range, preferred habitat and feeding requirements of this species. Research into habitat re-instatement is currently being considered.
The greater horseshoe bat is the subject of an NE Species Recovery Programme, concentrating on feeding requirements.
Five greater horseshoe sites have been proposed for designation as SAC under the Habitats Directive, which will increase protection for foraging habitats.
The Advisory Committee to the Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe will consider how selected hibernation sites should be monitored, and data collected and analysed to detect population trends at national and international level.
The Co-ordinating Panel for the Conservation of Bats in Europe will maintain liaison between involved parties.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain all existing maternity roosts and associated hibernation sites.
Increase current population by 25% by 2010.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Consider the obligations of the Habitats Directive and Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe, and seek to develop appropriate policies on wider habitat conservation for bats. (ACTION: CCW, DOE, NE, FA, JNCC, WO)
Site safeguard and management
Consider statutory protection for roost sites not already covered, and seek to ensure that consideration is given to key areas, or population centres, in respect of planning and land-use strategies. (ACTION: CCW, NE, LAs)
Following further research to identify the ecological requirements of this species more precisely, encourage favourable habitat management (aiming for up to 4 km around each roost), seeking to implement these through voluntary or informal agreements. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Species management and protection
No action proposed.
Advisory
Continue to implement the current advisory mechanisms for roost sites. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Prepare and distribute advice on the management of foraging areas by the year 2000. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Seek to maintain the current level of research into the ecology and conservation requirements of this species, identifying further areas of research as necessary. This should include studies on the population genetics and feeding requirements of the species. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Promote research to assess the importance of sites used by small numbers of bats and develop and implement a strategy for their conservation. Investigate the rate of loss of minor sites and their importance to the population structure. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Identify key areas or population centres for this species. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Develop and implement a systematic recording scheme to standardise population estimates between sites and between years. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC in order that it can be incorporated in a national database and contribute to the maintenance of an up-to-date Red List. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Communications and Publicity
No action proposed.
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p90)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species