Daubenton Bat Survey

As part of Bat Conservation Ireland’s Annual Daubenton’s Bat Survey, Dublin City Council wiil be hosting a Daubenton’s Bat Talk and walk in Herbert Park, Ballsbridge from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm on July 14th. This guided workshop will be given by Tina Aughney of Bat Conservation Ireland as part of the preparation for the Annual Daubenton’s Bat Survey which will be conducted over August. Training on bat surveying will be given using bat detectors on the bank of the River Dodder. The Daubenton’s Bat is known as the water bat because of its preference to roost and feed close to water such as rivers and lakes. It is easy to identify because it is the only species of all our nine resident species of bat that can be seen continuously skimming the water surface as it is feeds on insects. A Daubenton’s Bat which typically can weigh between 7 grams to 11 grams can increase its body weight by 57% after an hour feeding on a waterway. Its presence on a waterway is a good indication of biodiversity and water quality. Bats are a protected species under wildlife legislation and you can help with their conservation by participating in this citizen science event.