Engaging art to save a Species – Working together to help Irelands Bats
The Lesser Horseshoe bat is one of nine bat species found in Ireland. Unfortunately, it is one of our most endangered. It is now found in only 6 counties in Ireland along the western’s seaboard.
According to the Species Action pan for the Lesser Horseshoe bat developed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service: Habitat fragmentation and loss of roost sites are the two biggest factors resulting in the reduction of numbers and range of our Lesser Horseshoe Bats.
The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is photophobic, it doesn’t like bright lights, and its preferred feeding habitat is broadleaf woodland making Killarney National Park and excellent habitat for this species in danger.
Lesser Horseshoe Bats are found throughout County Kerry with many roost sites owned and managed by the Vincent Wildlife trust, the national Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte, and the Office of Public Works.
In the last two years research has been carried out in Kerry using computer modelling and surveys to help define areas that may be used as corridors for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat to help direct our conservation efforts. This research was funded by the Local Biodiversity Action fund from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
In 2024, Creative Ireland have supported projects delivered by the Kerry Biosphere and Biodiversity Officer for Kerry County Council to share information and raise awareness of these fascinating creatures.
‘Engaging art to Save a species’ has been running for several months, Brendan Kirwan, Biosphere Officer For the Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has been busy running several elements of the project.
So far:
- We have hosted an art competition with local primary schools to create a calendar for 2025,
- Held art workshops have been delivered with local artist Katie O’ Donoghue,
- an artist has been commissioned to create sculpture of a Lesser horseshoe Bat,
- a colouring book drawn by Katie O’ Donoghue has been created of all of Irelands resident bat species.
And now we are inviting you to join us for a launch event to unveil our Lesser Horseshoe Bat sculpture (yet to be officially named) and the Bats of Ireland Colouring book.
On Saturday the 24th in Killarney House from 3 -5pm, we invite you to join us for a talk on bats followed by our sculpture unveiling and colouring book launch. Refreshments served.
Then stay for an evening adventure into Killarney National Park on our Bat Walk with Killarney National Park Education Centre and Bat Conservation Ireland. Meeting at Deenagh Lodge at 8.15pm.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kerry-biosphere-bat-walk-tickets-990822094557
This project is funded by Creative Irelands Creative Communities Fund.
This project is a collaboration between the Kery Biosphere and Kerry County Council.
