Mitigating the Impact of Bats in Historic Churches: The Response of Natterer's Bats Myotis nattereri to Artificial Roosts and Deterrence

PloS One
Matt R K ZealeEmma Stone

Abstract

Bats frequently roost in historic churches, and these colonies are of considerable conservation value. Inside churches, bat droppings and urine can cause damage to the historic fabric of the building and to items of cultural significance. In extreme cases, large quantities of droppings can restrict the use of a church for worship and/or other community functions. In the United Kingdom, bats and their roosts are protected by law, and striking a balance between conserving the natural and cultural heritage can be a significant challenge. We investigated mitigation strategies that could be employed in churches and other historic buildings to alleviate problems caused by bats without adversely affecting their welfare or conservation status. We used a combination of artificial roost provision and deterrence at churches in Norfolk, England, where significant maternity colonies of Natterer's bats Myotis nattereri damage church features. Radio-tracking data and population modelling showed that excluding M. nattereri from churches is likely to have a negative impact on their welfare and conservation status, but that judicious use of deterrents, especially high intensity ultrasound, can mitigate problems caused by bats. We show that deter...Continue Reading

References

Feb 4, 2009·The Journal of Biological Chemistry·Francesco Ramirez, Harry C Dietz
Jun 23, 2009·Current Biology : CB·Emma Louise StoneStephen Harris
Oct 9, 2012·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·Steve M RedpathR J Gutiérrez
Nov 14, 2015·Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance·Babak Alagha

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Citations

May 29, 2018·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part A, Ecological and Integrative Physiology·Kamiel SpoelstraMarcel E Visser
Sep 8, 2017·Royal Society Open Science·Jens RydellSonia Sánchez-Navarro
Jul 17, 2021·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Mitchell A CowanDale G Nimmo

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