Use of agri-environment scheme habitats by pipistrelle bats on arable farmland

Abstract

The relationship between three species of bat (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and Nathusius' pipistrelle), and their activity along different linear field boundary features was investigated on arable farmland in Southern England (Hampshire and Dorset). The activity of common and soprano pipistrelles increased along field margins that contained either pollen and nectar plots or wildflower margins, sown as part of agri-environment scheme (AES) agreements. In contrast, Nathusius' pipistrelle activity was negatively correlated with the presence of grass margins. Common and Nathusius' pipistrelles were more abundant along wooded shelter belts, whilst Nathusius' pipistrelles were also more active where their common prey item, Chironomidae, was abundant. These results demonstrate the importance of future AES schemes providing a diverse selection of foraging habitats for bats within the landscape if a range of species are to benefit.