Rare breeding bat found roosting near reservoir
The Nathusius' pipistrelle is believed to be the first confirmed discovery of its kind in the area.
A Nathusius' pipistrelle, a rare species of breeding bat, has been discovered roosting near a reservoir in South Yorkshire, marking the first confirmed sighting in the region. Yorkshire Water, in collaboration with the South Yorkshire Bat Group and NatureMetrics, installed bat boxes in 2025 to enhance habitats and support bat populations.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from these boxes in March suggested the bat's presence, followed by its physical sighting in April. Lead ecologist Sean Davey expressed optimism about the bats' quick adoption of the boxes, highlighting how eDNA swabs provide a more efficient monitoring tool compared to traditional visual checks.
The discovery underscores the potential of eDNA analysis in identifying rare species and targeting conservation efforts effectively.
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