More information
Description
Bats in Poland are legally protected (Polish law on nature conservation, Habitats Directive, EUROBATS), but this protection is often not effective. For them it is crucial to secure their shelters. However, the owners of buildings with their shelters and a significant proportion of the public do not know that bats are protected or how to run this protection. The public services that should assist do not know how to do this. Therefore, bats'' habitats are often destroyed, and the bats are killed.
The main activities planned to address this challenge include:
A citizen will be able to get expert advice over the phone if there is a problem with a bat.
Owners of buildings with bat shelters will benefit from a experts visit who will give advice.
Tourist facilities where bats are present will receive leaflets.
All municipal police will receive booklet explaining what to do in bat interventions and where to get help.
Bat specialists will improve their skills during a workshop.
Several other activates addressed to general public will support these efforts.
The expected achievement:
More effective protection of the bat species in Poland by reducing threats.
Public awareness-raising of the importance of bats, their habitats and need to protect them.
Promotion of positive attitude towards bat species and ecosystems.
From this project, the following groups are expected to benefit:
general public,
youngsters,
tourists in buildings with bats,
owners of buildings with bat shelters,
municipal police,
bat specialists
(raising their knowledge and awareness, providing expert assistance).
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address multiple, interconnected issues related to bat conservation in Poland. While bats are legally protected, many species remain threatened by habitat destruction, particularly in buildings that have become critical roosts due to climate and cultural changes, as well as anthropogenic habitat alteration. Increasing urbanization and changes in traditional construction methods have further limited the availability of suitable roosts for bats.
Additionally, public attitudes pose significant challenges. Many people are fearful of bats, associating them with diseases such as rabies—fears exacerbated by misinformation during the pandemic. These fears lead to frequent habitat destruction and the killing of bats, often due to a lack of knowledge rather than malice.
The project sought to address these issues through a combination of education, expert support, and public awareness campaigns to reduce misinformation, promote coexistence, and improve the long-term conservation status of bats.
The project implemented numerous activities:
- Establishing a 24/7 helpline for immediate expert advice on bats
A hotline was established and maintained to provide immediate assistance and expert advice on bat-related issues, including emergency situations such as bats entering homes. This service saved numerous bats and educated thousands of people annually. This task is set to continue in the coming years.
- Educational visits to resolve conflicts between buildings owners and bat roosts
Experts conducted educational visits to resolve conflicts and alleviate fears about bats. These visits, involving on-site observations and interactive activities, successfully prevented the destruction of over 80% of bat roots that were initially targeted for removal.
- Organization of a workshop for bat workers to improve their advisory skills
Specialist workshops were conducted to enhance the skills of chiropterologists in public education and conflict resolution related to bats. The training also focused on effective methods for protecting bat habitats. A total of 99 specialists participated in the workshops.
- Creation and distribution of the informational materials for tourists, building owners, and municipal police
Printed materials were distributed to key groups: tourists staying in buildings with bats, owners of building with bats roosts, and municipal police officers who often responded to bat-related incidents. These resources provided clear guidance and education.
- Launching public education campaigns via the internet, media and live events
21 events of “Nights with Bats" were organized to educate small groups of participants, especially property owners with bat roosts who felt apprehensive about bats. Participants had the opportunity to observe bats in their natural habitats using specialized equipment such as ultrasonic detectors and thermal cameras.
7 media campaigns were organized to promote the project’s activities and disseminate information about bats. Articles, interviews, and press releases were created to reach a wide audience, while a dedicated coordinator managed the project''s various aspects.
Two educational videos, each lasting approximately 20–30 minutes, were produced. One video addressed summer bat roosts in buildings, while the other focused on winter.
Interactive presentations and educational contests were developed for children, integrating information about bats into school curriculums. These efforts aimed to cultivate positive attitudes and knowledge about bats among the younger generation.
The project achieved outstanding results by addressing critical challenges in bat conservation and transforming public awareness about their importance. By protecting numerous bat roosts, often located in private and public buildings, the project prevented the destruction of essential habitats of many bat species. It successfully dispelled widespread misconceptions and fears surrounding bats, reaching over 940,000 people through educational campaigns and fostering a more positive perception of these creatures. Building owners, frequently at the center of habitat conflicts, were provided with expert advice during on-site visits, which not only resolved disputes but also encouraged cooperation in preserving bat habitats.
Specialists in bat ecology received advanced training to enhance their skills in public education and habitat protection. Initiatives like the “Bat-Friendly Building” program will enable property owners to actively support conservation efforts, with informational resources and recognition for their role in preserving bat habitats. A 24/7 National Bat Helpline offered immediate assistance and expert guidance, saving bats and educating thousands of people annually. The project includes social media campaigns, live events, and instructional films, to spread knowledge and encourage public involvement.
Through these efforts, the project not only safeguarded bat populations but also created a lasting model for biodiversity conservation by uniting diverse groups—including property owners, municipal authorities, and conservation specialists—around a shared commitment to coexistence with bats.