Bat species identification

Send us your samples!

Genetic testing has become a valuable tool in the conservation efforts for bats, as it provides a reliable method for non-invasively identifying the presence of each species, distinguishing between closely related species and monitoring distributions.

At Ecotype Genetics, we are experts in providing efficient and accurate genetic identification of bat species from a range of samples, including bat droppings. We are trusted by ecologists and conservation groups across the UK to support protected species surveys, monitoring programs, and conservation projects.

What we offer:

Robust, optimised species-specific PCR analyses to identify all UK species of bat as well as detecting vagrant species.

Identification of multiple bat species from one collection of droppings with our 'mixed species' analysis.

We handle a variety of biological materials including droppings, tissue, and fur.

Results within 10 (standard) or 3 (express) working days.

A streamlined online ordering process with our sample submission form.

Discounted pricing for non-profit work, conservation groups and bulk orders.

Mixed species analysis - what could you be missing?

Many bat roosts are used by multiple species across a year. To make an informed assessment of the importance of a roost and to provide the information required for license applications, it is critical to identify all species present - not just the most abundant ones.

Our mixed species analysis can detect whether droppings from multiple bat species are present in a sample, without having to analyse one dropping at a time - making it a more efficient, cost-effective and informative option compared to traditional DNA sequencing methods.

This option enables for more comprehensive and efficient surveying and can be crucial for discovering rare species. For example, Nathusius's pipistrelles are often found in mixed roosts with other pipistrelle species and grey long-eared bats often co-habit with brown long-eareds.

Pricing

Prices below are per sample and shown exclusive of VAT at 20%. Bulk discounts are not applicable to non-profit samples.

Standard price: £55
Non-profit price: £35
Express service: +£20
Mixed species analysis: +£10

Bulk Discounts:

10% discount (6-14 samples)
25% discount (15+ samples)

FAQs

Our genetic tests use DNA 'primers' (short fragments of DNA) designed to target unique sequences within the mitochondrial genome of a particular bat species. We extract DNA from a collection of droppings and then probe for the presence of each species in this single DNA extract by using different sets of species-specific primers in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Each primer set will only recognise DNA sequences from its target species, effectively ignoring any other DNA that may be in the sample. If present, the primers will bind to the target sequence, allowing for amplification of the DNA sequence by PCR. This amplification is then be detected as a positive result by our machines. This approach saves time, money and resources compared to performing DNA sequencing on separate extractions from single droppings. Our highest ever species count is 6!

If you suspect that only one species is present in your sample, you can submit it as a standard test (i.e do not select 'mixed species analysis'). When we receive your sample we shall only test for the presence of a single species.

We do this by initially testing for the three most common species (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared) or a species which you suspect is present. Once we have a positive result, we shall stop testing and return the results to you.

Our mixed species analysis option allows you to screen for all UK bat species at once and ask whether or not there are multiple species present in your sample. This service can be selected in the online order form for an additional charge of £10 + VAT per sample.

Unfortunately, on the rare occasion, orders have been lost in the postal system. Ecotype Genetics cannot take any responsibility for your sample if this occurs. We will refund your purchase if your sample is misplaced and you cannot send us any more.

You may wish to send your sample via a special delivery or recorded service and, if necessary, arrange insurance to cover costs for obtaining and sending a replacement sample.

We also recommend to retain some of the sample, if possible, in the rare case your sample gets lost. Then you can easily send us another batch if it doesn't arrive.

Whilst is it certainly possible to obtain a result from a single dropping, we advise wherever possible that you collect at least 5-10 droppings and if possible keep a spare sample back in the unlikely event of your order being lost in transit.

The more droppings we have, the more DNA we are able to extract and the more likely a positive identification! Collecting enough droppings is also important if you wish to use our mixed species analysis and screen for the presence of more than one species.

If you are concerned about any aspects of the sample you collected, please contact us on orders@ecotypegenetics.co.uk

- The best containers to use for bat droppings are small (1.5-2ml) plastic microcentrifuge tubes - readily available on amazon.

- Please do NOT use a glass container to send droppings.

- Samples MUST be individually marked with their unique 'Sample ID', provided in the order confirmation email. Without this, they will not be processed.

- The safest way to send your samples is in a robust padded envelope. Please make sure you affix the correct postage as they are likely to be classed as large letters. Packages with insufficient postage are held by the courier and will not be delivered to the lab.

Our genetic tests target DNA sequences specific to a certain species and are thoroughly optimised. Therefore, a positive result is only given if DNA from the matching species is present.

If instead, we use a DNA sequencing method, the sequence obtained from your sample will be compared against a public database and we shall provide a result with the highest percentage match. This may not always be 100% due to very small genetic difference between individuals within a species.

Our success rate is very high, and it is rare to receive no result on a sample. However, in these circumstances it is not always possible to know why a particular sample has failed. The most likely reasons are as follows:

- There was insufficient or inadequate quality DNA in the sample to provide a positive identification. The latter may be caused by degradation of the DNA due to prolonged exposure to environmental elements.

- The sample contained inhibitory compounds that prevented the PCR reaction from working, and despite our best efforts, were unable to be separated from the genetic material.

- The sample was not from the target species group, meaning it could not be identified (although we will always endeavour to identify species wherever possible).

If the tests fails, the charge for the analysis is non-refundable. This is due to the costs incurred by Ecotype Genetics to process the sample; including labour, laboratory consumables etc. For more information see our Terms and Conditions.