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Learn about the endangered greater horseshoe bat and the conservation efforts of the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project. Discover their habitat, feeding habits, and the challenges they face.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project Hugh Clarke
Greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum English Nature 1998 A flying greater horseshoe bat is like a person in fog, with an effective sensory range of only 5 to 10 metres
Greater horseshoe bat Up to 40cm wingspan Weighs 14-34g Lives up to 30 years One young per year Full size at 2 months old Has declined by 98% in 100 years Phil Wilson
HUNTING &FEEDing Takes about 30 minutes to catch, dismember and eat a moth Uses temporary roost in between feeding sessions to digest English Nature 1998
Close up Mike Symes
hibernating Underground in caves Will wake and feed for energy Group hibernation puts them at risk
habitats Dung beetles are crucial for the mothers and for young bats .. Rich woodlands provide wasps and moths. Wildflower meadows for cockchafer grubs – adult cockchafers are perfect prey for greater horseshoe bats.
landscapes Devon has a landscape with good links such as hedges
Habitats 98% of species rich grasslands have been lost 50% Hedgerows have been removed • 98% of species rich grasslands have been lost during the last century. • Hedgerows have also been lost at alarming rates. • The demise of the greater horseshoe bat has mirrored these declines. Hugh Clarke
Our project • Working with landowners • Bringing bats to people • Improving our knowledge
Working with landowners Work with farmers to help make good habitats for bats
Working with landowners RESTORATION HEDGES
Bringing bats to people School and community groups: learn enhance their surroundings accreditation …to help the bats
Improving our knowledge Over 1 million files – 178,672 bat passes; 872,193 ‘noise’ files So far 1,226 GHB (2 of 5 surveys) A lot of work still to do! ….not least securing the 5-year project!