Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP and Natterer’s bat species champion Murdo Fraser attended a reception at the Scottish Parliament hosted by Scottish Environment LINK to help publicize the species champion movement and to update MSPs regarding the progress of each species since they last met.
Scottish Environment LINK has been encouraging politicians to choose from a list of endangered species and then champion their survival.
Habitat destruction is threatening the future of the Natterer’s bat in Scotland, where conversion of older buildings such as barns, churches and stables is taking place without retaining access and roosting sites for these important species.
Natterer bats feed on a variety of insects, including moths, caddis flies, lacewings, small wasps, spiders and midges.
As Natterer’s bat champion Murdo aims to raise public awareness of the species and will visit key nesting sites in Perthshire to gain a greater appreciation of the bat.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The Scottish Environment LINK and the Bat Conservation Trust continue to do important work in conserving and promoting bats and other species across Scotland, and I am delighted to help support their efforts.
“Through research, monitoring and investigation the BCT has been able to increase awareness of the Natterer’s bat.
“In the year of Natural Scotland it is vital that species are protected to ensure a strong future for Scotland’s nature and I will be doing my upmost in Perthshire, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire to promote this important but increasingly rare species of bat.”