October 2010: The Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) has launched a new publication on guidelines for surveillance and monitoring of European bats. The EUROBATS Agreement was set up under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), which is administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Compiled by Jessamy Battersby, the publication provides general information about surveillance and monitoring; describes surveillance methods, illustrated by examples; compiles species accounts for all bat species occurring in the EUROBATS range; and gives practical advice with regard to national bat monitoring programmes. It aims to assist governments and NGOs in Europe to: detect changes in distribution, range and abundance and provide long-term population trends; influence national and international policy and the setting of conservation priorities; assess the effects of conservation and other types of wildlife management; and educate people about conserving and managing mammal populations. [The Publication] [EUROBATS website]