"Where Are All The Bats? – Alarm As Numbers Fall In England"

"Decline blamed on washout summer driving down population of insects, butterflies and moths they feed on"

"Conservation groups across England are seeing more malnourished bats, as wildlife experts warn the washout summer is driving down the insects, butterflies and moths they feed on.

Groups across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Worcestershire, Essex and South Lancashire said they are seeing an increase in the number of “starving” or “underweight” bats, often juveniles, who need to be rescued and cared for by volunteers. In some places, they are seeing fewer bats than they usually do in the summer.

There has been a decline in UK insect populations for decades, linked to the climate emergency and widespread use of pesticides. Some believe it has been exacerbated by this year’s record wet weather."

Donna Ferguson reports for the Guardian July 21, 2024.

Source: Guardian, 07/22/2024