‘Bat cam’ provides unique view of rare animals

Viewers of a very different kind of reality TV will be going batty in the coming weeks. People can visit www.devonbatproject.org to view a live webcam of a greater horseshoe bat roost in Devon to see hundreds of the rare animals appearing on screen at one time.

The bat cam, installed as part of the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project, is beaming live pictures around the world from a greater horseshoe bat roost at a secret location in South Devon. The Project is a 5-year partnership initiative involving 18 organisations led by Devon Wildlife Trust and supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as other funders.

Ruth Testa, Project Manager, of the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project said:

‘The hi-tech infrared camera allows everyone to see what goes on inside a bat roost – something that is not normally possible. By logging on to our website (www.devonbatproject.org) and watching the live footage, people can get a unique and intimate view into the lives of these wonderful animals. You can also watch footage of some of our team’s favourite moments from previous years.’

Colin Morris, Nature Reserves Manager for The Vincent Wildlife Trust, the project partner that owns and manages the roost site, said:

‘The bats are very active at the moment - people should keep their eyes peeled as the female greater horseshoe bats are getting ready to give birth. While difficult to see during daytime, the new-born pups are left on their own once the adults go out to hunt at night. The coming weeks should see some drama as a succession of baby bats appear on screen!’

Greater horseshoe bats have seen their numbers plummet by over 90% in the last 100 years. Today Devon remains a stronghold of the endangered species with about a third of the UK population thought to be surviving in the county.

The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project hopes to reverse the species’ decline. Over the coming years it will continue to work with local landowners, farmers and communities across Devon ensuring that Devon remains a place which offers greater horseshoe bats the room to live and flourish.

Members of the public can help us improve our scientific knowledge of bats by taking part in the Devon Bat Survey. During the summer months, you can borrow a special detector from 20 locations across Devon using an online booking service www.devonbatproject.org/devon-bat-survey.

A Greater Horseshoe Bat – Photo copyright Michael Symes (All Rights Reserved)