Bat conservation and artificial light

Light pollution is increasing at an unprecedented rate, pushing vulnerable nocturnal wildlife into darker habitats. Bats are particularly sensitive to artificial light at night. Urban sprawl and the ever-expanding use of cheap LED lighting is causing massive problems, such as the deterioration of urban roosts and habitat loss and the disconnection of valuable habitats.

In Europe, bats are strictly protected by international and national legislation, and are also covered by the United Nations' Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals, formalised by the EUROBATS agreement. Specialists in bat conservation and light pollution have now reached a significant milestone by providing revised guidelines on how to incorporate bat conservation into outdoor lighting projects.

This event will summarise the extensive revision of the successful EUROBATS publication #8 during a full-day (10 am–4 pm) free digital Zoom event. Members of the public and stakeholders are warmly invited to attend on 18 November.