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Rare Bat Species Discovered Roosting Near Sheffield
14 Aug
Summary
- Nathusius' pipistrelle bat species confirmed near Sheffield.
- eDNA technology used to detect the rare migrant bat.
- First confirmed roost for this species in South Yorkshire found.
A rare Nathusius' pipistrelle bat species has been confirmed roosting in woodland near Sheffield. This marks the first time this species has been recorded in South Yorkshire. Environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from bat boxes in March initially indicated its presence, with a physical sighting confirmed in April. The bat boxes were installed in 2025 as part of Yorkshire Water's species conservation program.
Lead ecologist Sean Davey noted the rapid adoption of the boxes by multiple bat species. The eDNA technology, a collaboration with Nature Metrics and the South Yorkshire Bat Group, proved a valuable tool for monitoring. This method allows for easier detection of species distributions, aiding targeted conservation efforts. The Nathusius' pipistrelle is a rare migrant bat known for its long-distance travel between the UK and Europe.
