The last weekend of August is the traditional International Bat Night.

At the end of August, Slovenia marked the International Night of Bats with a series of events aimed at raising public awareness about these nocturnal creatures. Activities began on Friday and continued through Sunday, featuring lectures, exhibitions, guided walks, and other educational programs. The event will continue into September, with additional activities planned over the coming weeks. Organized annually since 1997 by the European bat conservation organization Eurobats, the International Night of Bats involves more than 30 countries worldwide. In Slovenia, the event was first introduced in 1999, and this year marks its 28th anniversary, organized by the Slovenian Society for the Study and Protection of Bats (SDPVN) in collaboration with other local organizations. The program includes photography exhibitions, lectures, water-based walks, listening sessions using ultrasonic detectors, and demonstrations of how bats are studied using nets. On Friday evening, a walk around the Faculty of Biotechnology in Ljubljana took place, while in Maribor, a bat-themed evening featured both a lecture and a demonstration of capturing bats in nets. Events will continue in the following weeks in locations such as Lake Bled, Gorica, Črnomelj, Nova Gorica, Vranska Gora, and other areas. In Gorica, visitors can attend lectures on bat characteristics and listen to their ultrasonic calls in the evening. At Vranska Gora, participants can observe bats emerging from a church during their nightly flights. Special attention will be given to the greater mouse-eared bat (Nyctalus leisleri) in the years 2026 and 2027, as selected by partners of the BatLife Europe organization as the bat of the year. This species typically seeks shelter in natural cavities found in old trees, including tree trunks and branches. Bats play a crucial role in European ecosystems, primarily feeding on insects, including mosquitoes and other pests. However, their survival is threatened by environmental changes, such as habitat loss, building renovations, sealing off cave entrances, and meshing of flight paths. Disturbing bats and destroying their shelters during maternity colonies and winter hibernation periods is particularly harmful. The International Night of Bats in Slovenia will continue until September 20. Between September 12 and 20, simultaneous counting of common pipistrelles will take place at multiple locations. These counts will be open to observers with varying levels of experience, allowing even those new to bat watching to participate. The event underscores the importance of preserving bat habitats and highlights ongoing efforts to protect these often-misunderstood animals. In Ljubljana, the walk around the Faculty of Biotechnology drew a small crowd of nature enthusiasts eager to learn more about local bat species. Participants used ultrasonic detectors to hear the high-pitched calls of bats flying overhead, providing a unique auditory experience. Similar activities were held in Maribor, where attendees gathered for a presentation on bat ecology followed by a live demonstration of how researchers capture and study bats safely. The event emphasized the need for public engagement in conservation efforts, encouraging visitors to support initiatives that protect bat populations and their environments. Across the country, different regions offered tailored experiences. In Gorica, the focus was on the biology and behavior of bats, with interactive sessions designed to educate children and adults alike. At Vranska Gora, the highlight was observing bats exiting a church, offering a rare glimpse into their nocturnal habits. Each location aimed to provide hands-on learning opportunities, reinforcing the message that bats are vital components of the ecosystem. Local experts stressed the importance of maintaining natural habitats, urging communities to avoid disturbing bat roosts and to consider the ecological impact of urban development projects. The International Night of Bats continues to grow in popularity, drawing increasing numbers of participants each year. Organizers have noted a steady rise in attendance, reflecting growing public interest in wildlife conservation. As part of the broader effort to raise awareness, the event serves as a platform for scientists, educators, and volunteers to share knowledge and promote responsible practices that benefit both bats and humans. With plans already underway for future events, the momentum behind bat conservation shows no signs of slowing down.