A rare species of breeding bat has been found roosting in woodland near a reservoir in South Yorkshire. The Nathusius' pipistrelle has been confirmed at a Yorkshire Water site near Sheffield, the first time it had been recorded in South Yorkshire. The discovery was made using environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from bat boxes, which revealed the presence of the rare migrant bat.
Rare Nathusius' pipistrelle bat found in South Yorkshire
UKPulse Health DeskA rare species of breeding bat, the Nathusius' pipistrelle, has been found roosting in woodland near a reservoir in South Yorkshire, the first confirmed discovery of its kind in the area.
- The Nathusius' pipistrelle is a rare migrant bat species known to migrate long distances between the UK and Europe.
- The bat was found roosting in a bat box near a reservoir in South Yorkshire, the first confirmed discovery of its kind in the area.
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from a bat box in March indicated the animal's presence, and in April one was physically spotted at another nearby bat box.
Why this matters: The discovery highlights the effectiveness of conservation measures and the potential of eDNA swabs as a monitoring tool for ecologists.
What this means for you: This discovery may lead to further research and conservation efforts for the Nathusius' pipistrelle and other rare species in the UK.