Bat Surveying and Bat Care
Bat Surveying
We have several bat species locally and are concerned about their long term survival.
La Société Guernesiaise’s Bat Section conducts roost site surveys to track population size and breeding success. They carry out maternity roost site counts in June and early July.
At other times of the year they survey caves and underground tunnels to establish where bats are hibernating and swarming.
If you would like to get involved or have seen bats coming out of your roof, please email the Bat Section.
2017 Survey Highlights
Greater Horseshoe Bats
Some of the very first results from 2017 were very exciting.
Our recorders picked up evidence of greater horseshoe bats which haven’t been seen in Guernsey since the 1960’s!
Common Pipistrelle Bats
Common pipistrelle bats were also recorded during the same night.
As you can see from the sound profile image and audio track below, they sound very different.
Injured Bats and Rehabilitation
If you find an injured bat please contact the GSPCA. Bat care must be provided by trained and licenced bat carers.The Bat Conservation Trust provides step by step instructions for immediate care.
Check out the videos below to see some bats who were successfully rehabilitated.
These bats were looked after by Jane Gilmour, a licenced bat carer and previous manager of the GBRC. You can watch the pipistrelle bat learning how to fly and a long-eared bat grooming itself while hanging.