Why Do Different Bat Species Need Different Consideration?

Scotland is home to several species of bat, and although many of them look similar at first glance, each species has its own needs. These differences influence where bats roost, how they feed, and how they move through the landscape. Understanding these differences helps people appreciate why ecologists use different approaches for different species, and why some bats may need more careful consideration than others.

This guide introduces all the bat species recorded in Scotland and explains why their behaviour, habitats, and sensitivities mean they must be considered individually.

Pipistrelles: small bats with different preferences

Scotland has three pipistrelle species: the common pipistrelle, the soprano pipistrelle, and the Nathusius’ pipistrelle. Although all three are small and fast-flying, they use different habitats.

• Common pipistrelles are highly adaptable and often forage around gardens, hedgerows, and woodland edges.

• Soprano pipistrelles strongly favour wetland edges, where midges are abundant.

• Nathusius’ pipistrelles are less common and are often associated with large lochs and reservoirs. They are believed to migrate over long distances and their presence in Scotland is increasing.

Even within this group, differences in feeding behaviour and roost choice mean that surveys and conservation measures must be tailored to each species.

Brown long-eared bats: sensitive and quiet

Brown long-eared bats are known for their large ears and gentle flight. They often roost in roof spaces, churches, and older buildings. Because they rely heavily on hearing to catch insects, they avoid strong lighting and noisy environments. This makes them more sensitive to disturbance than many other species.

Daubenton’s bats: specialists of water

Daubenton’s bats are strongly linked to rivers, burns, canals, and lochs. They often feed low over the surface of water, taking insects with their feet or tail. Their roosts are often found in bridges, tree cavities, and stone structures near water. Protecting access to these habitats is essential.

Natterer’s bats: masters of cluttered spaces

Natterer’s bats hunt in dense woodland and hedgerows. They use slow, agile flight to pick insects from foliage and often roost in trees, stone buildings, and older structures. Because they depend on connected woodland networks, they are sensitive to habitat fragmentation and lighting changes.

Whiskered and Brandt’s bats: small woodland bats with hidden roosts

Whiskered bats and Brandt’s bats are smaller, lesser-known species that forage in sheltered woodland edges and gardens. Their roosts may be in trees, older buildings, or tight crevices. They are easily overlooked, which means careful survey work is important.

Leisler’s bats: high-flying hunters

Leisler’s bats are less common in Scotland but are recorded in several regions. They fly higher and straighter than pipistrelles, often above treetops and open areas. Because of this, they may not be seen as often by the public, but they rely on woodland edges, open parkland, and connected flight routes. Their calls are louder and their foraging range can be large, meaning habitat changes at a distance may still affect them.

Noctule bats: powerful fliers needing large landscapes

Noctule bats are among the largest bats found in the UK and have been recorded in Scotland. They emerge early in the evening, flying high and fast across open spaces to catch beetles and moths. Noctules typically roost in trees, including old woodpecker holes and natural cavities. Because they depend on mature woodland and extensive foraging areas, they need wider landscape considerations than many other species.

Although sightings are less common than pipistrelles, their needs are very different. High flight, early emergence, and reliance on trees mean that changes to lighting, woodland edges, or open flight paths can have a significant impact.

Why species differences matter

Each Scottish bat species differs in:

• roost preferences

• foraging habitats

• sensitivity to lighting

• flight height and style

• seasonal behaviour

• response to disturbance

This means that ecological surveys, conservation measures, and development planning must be based on which species are present, not just whether bats are present at all. A site used by pipistrelles may need simple adjustments, while a site used by long-eared bats or tree-roosting species may require more careful planning.

How you can support Scotland’s bat species

People can make a real difference by:

• reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting

• keeping trees and hedges where possible

• creating gardens that support insects

• avoiding disturbance to roosts

• reporting unusual sightings

Each species plays a part in Scotland’s ecosystems, and thoughtful action helps protect the full diversity of bats living here.

References

Bat Conservation Trust 2023. Bats in Britain: Species Profiles. Bat Conservation Trust, London.
NatureScot 2020. Bats: Licensing and Guidance. NatureScot, Inverness.
Russ, J. 2012. British Bat Calls: A Guide to Species Identification. Pelagic Publishing, Exeter.