Bat Rehabilitation Ireland , Bruree, County Limerick V35 Y754

Welcome to Bat Rehabilitation Ireland, Ireland's largest bat rescue center located in County Limerick, Bruree. As an establishment and point of interest dedicated to veterinary care, our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release all species of native Irish bats while promoting bat conservation through education and scientific research.

Did you know that Ireland is home to a diverse range of bat species? Take, for example, the Soprano Pipistrelle, Ireland's smallest bat species, weighing only 5-6g and measuring less than 5cm. These tiny creatures feed on midges, mosquitoes, moths, and small flying insects, consuming over 3,000 per night. While they can be found roosting in trees and underground caves, they primarily choose buildings as their roost sites.

Another common bat species in Ireland is the Common Pipistrelle, which weighs between 5-7g and measures less than 5cm. Interestingly, this species was only recognized as a separate species from the Soprano Pipistrelle in 1997. One of the features that distinguishes the Common Pipistrelle is its darker skin coloration.

The Nathusius' Pipistrelle, on the other hand, is a rarer bat species in Ireland compared to the Soprano and Common Pipistrelle. With a weight of up to 11g, this species is known for its migratory behavior within Europe. Some individuals have been recorded traveling over 1,600km between summer and hibernation sites. Research is currently underway to track the movement of the Irish population and determine if they migrate between the UK and Europe.

Moving on to the Brown Long Eared Bat, this species is Ireland's only representative of the Long Eared Bat family. They prefer to forage in woodland areas, using a method called 'gleaning' to catch moths, spiders, and other insects from leaves. These bats often take their prey to a feeding perch, recognizable by the piles of insect remains, such as moth wings, that gather below them.

The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is another unique species found in Ireland, belonging to the Rhinolophidae family. It can be easily identified by its horseshoe-shaped flap of skin surrounding the nostrils. Confined to six western counties in Ireland, this species primarily roosts in the roofs of old houses, outhouses, stables, or cottages. Though it has been recorded in a few other locations, it is considered a rare find.

Leisler's bat, on the other hand, is Ireland's largest bat species, weighing between 12-20g. With its golden-tipped or reddish-brown fur, this bat has a distinctive lion's-mane appearance. They can often be seen flying over open spaces like parks and fields soon after dusk. While rare in Britain and the rest of Europe, the Irish population of Leisler's bats is considered of international importance.

Daubenton's bat, also known as the 'water bat', is a small to medium-sized bat with fluffy grey/brown fur, a pale silver-grey belly, and a pink face. These bats are known for foraging for small flies above water, even using their feet and tail to scoop up insects from the water's surface. They prefer to roost near water and can be found under bridges or in tunnels.

Natterer's bat, a medium-sized bat, feeds on midges, moths, beetles, spiders, and other small flying insects. With a relatively slow flight, these bats can be found hunting over water and among trees after sunset. They often choose old buildings like churches and castles as their roosting sites.

Lastly, we have the whiskered bat, a small species weighing between 5-7g. This bat has a shaggy coat and pointed ears and belongs to the genus Myotis or "Mouse eared". The Whiskered Bat is closely related to other bat species like the Natterer's, Daubenton's, and Brandt's bats. While Brandt's bat has only been recorded once in Ireland, the species is still considered a vagrant.

At Bat Rehabilitation Ireland, we are a registered charity (no. 20206450) entirely run by volunteers. We rely on the kindness of donations to continue our vital work in rescuing and rehabilitating bats. Please consider supporting us in our mission to protect these incredible creatures.