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Bats up close: primary school students experience the fascinating natural world!
Around 40 primary school children experienced exciting bat-related activities with NABU on August 30, 2025 in Salzelmen.
Bats up close: primary school students experience the fascinating natural world!
On August 30, 2025, around 40 children in the 4th grade of the Ludwig Schneider School in Salzelmen were able to enjoy an exciting nature experience on the subject of bats. This event was organized in cooperation with the NABU Salzlandkreis and carried out under the direction of teacher Ms. Muchow. In class, the children had already learned intensively about the life of the mysterious mammals, especially about their habitats, diets and the way they orient themselves.
The program included an exciting discovery tour through the world of bats as well as active games at the butterfly pond in the pine forest. A particular highlight was observing bats at dusk as they cleverly hunted for mosquitoes. The little naturalists were supported by Thomas Conrad, a speaker from the NABU Salzlandkreis, who praised the children's curiosity and enthusiasm.
Bats and their way of life
But what makes bats so interesting? These amazing animals have existed for around 50 million years and there are more than 1,400 species worldwide, 25 of which are in Germany alone. Despite their long history, bats today battle numerous threats, including intensive agriculture and forestry and habitat loss.
As NABU reports, the destruction of traditional quarters and reduced food sources are stressful factors for the animals. But it's not just changes in nature that threaten bats - prejudices and fears towards these creatures also contribute to the danger. In fact, bats make a valuable contribution to nature conservation: their protection benefits not only themselves, but also other species.
Bat Research: A Deeper Look
Various modern techniques are used for research on bats, including radio and GPS telemetry. These methods help scientists monitor animals' flight behavior and habitat structures. In the summer of 2018, for example, a pilot study was carried out on the Plön Lakes, in which ten female noctules were equipped with mini-GPS receivers. The data obtained provides valuable insights into their movement patterns and food intake.
The results show that the animals move freely within their habitat and cover large distances. Their hunting seasons and habits provide important clues about how they adapt to their environment. Seasonal changes, such as the time when animals move into their roosts or return from hibernation, can also be precisely documented.
Finally, it should be noted that the event in Salzelmen was not only an opportunity for children to familiarize themselves with bats, but is also an important step in environmental education work. The NABU Salzlandkreis thanked all participants for their donations, which help to further support nature conservation work. In this way, the commitment to the bats that deserve protection is supported and encouraged not only by the children, but also by the entire community.
Further information and exciting tips about bat protection can be found on the websites of NABU and the German Wildlife Foundation.
NABU provides information about the impressive properties of bats.
The German Wildlife Foundation shows how bats are researched.