A COLONY of rare barbastelle bats has been found on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority has just published a report detailing the new colony, discovered in Hawns and Dendles Wood, which represents one of only eight known colonies of the species in the United Kingdom.
The barbastelle is scarce across Europe and is strictly protected under UK and European law.
The bats were discovered living in splits and cracks in old oak trees, and can cover up to 11 square miles each night in pursuit of their moth prey.
At least 16 bats are present, and further research this year will aim to confirm that the bats are actually breeding, to enable their inclusion in the proposed Dartmoor Special Area of Conservation.