Bats are long‐lived mammals with low reproductive rates, making them susceptible to developments that reduce reproductive output or increase mortality. Roads destroy, degrade and fragment habitats, reducing the ability of bats to roost, feed and reproduce. Current mitigation techniques have not been proven to be effective at conserving bats at the population level.

    Road effects vary among species depending on flight style and habitat use, but many species are affected.

    Roads can act as barriers to the movement of bats, and many species suffer traffic mortality attempting to cross roads.

    Artificial light deters some bat species while attracting others, and a policy of ‘no lighting’ is recommended for bats.

    Traffic noise may reduce the flight activity and foraging efficiency of bats.

    Protection of roosts and foraging sites during and after roadworks is critical to bat survival.

    Underpasses can effectively reduce the barrier effect and reduce the number of roadkills for some bat species.

    Other attempts to reduce the barrier and mortality effects for bats are unproven, and further research is required before widespread implementation.

    It is important to conduct thorough pre‐construction bat surveys and bring objectivity and rigour into the design and testing of mitigation features.


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    Title :

    Bats and Roads



    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2015-04-01


    Size :

    10 pages




    Type of media :

    Article/Chapter (Book)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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