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Ecological Study of the Endangered
Bristle-nosed bat
(Mormopterus ‘species 6’)
and Survey of Microchiropteran Bats in
Gundabooka National Park
Report for NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service Upper Darling Region
Michael Pennay
NSW Department of Environment & Conservation
PO Box 733, Queanbeyan NSW 2620
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Summary
The primary aim of this study was to ascertain basic ecological information about the
Endangered Bristle-nosed Bat (Mormopterus ‘species 6’)
The Bristle-nosed bat is one of Australia’s least known microbats, known from only 22
specimens captured at scattered locations in the arid and semi arid regions of central
Australia, Queensland and north-western New South Wales. Nothing is known of its ecology.
It is listed as Endangered in NSW on the basis of its rarity (only 6 individuals known prior to
this study) and Data deficient by the IUCN.
Recent genetic investigations into the taxonomy of Australian molossids suggests that the
Bristle-nosed bat is currently misplaced and in fact belongs in a monotypic genus separate
from other Australian Mormopterus, further elevating the conservation significance of the
species on the basis of genetic uniqueness (Reardon 2006).
During a 10 day study in November 2005 10 Bristle-nosed bats were trapped at Gundabooka
National Park in north-western NSW. Using radio transmitters the bats were tracked to locate
roosts and monitor the foraging behaviour of the species. General behavioural and
morphological observations including diet, flight patterns, airframe design and echolocation
call were also recorded.
Key Results
• Three diurnal roosts were located including one maternity roost
• The bats were found to roost communally, sometimes with other species
• Roosts were all located in Bimbil Box and Inland Red Box tree hollows with tiny entrances
amongst the fringing vegetation of a large dry creek channel (Yanda Creek)
• Both foraging activity and roost locations were significantly biased in favour of riparian
habitat along Yanda creek channel and avoiding the surrounding mulga shrublands.
• The bats flew many kilometres in a night, roosts were up to 3.9 km from point of capture
• Gundabooka NP was found to provide suitable habitat for an exceptional number of
microbats including an additional 2 threatened species (Chalinolobus picatus and
Saccolaimus flaviventris)
Conclusions
• The study demonstrated the species is readily captured using traditional methods in
places where they occur. This suggests that the large number of survey sites where the
species has not been found are probably genuine absences – supporting the argument
that the species is rare
• The species roosted in eucalypt tree hollows and foraged in the riparian zones –
management actions that protect the retention of hollow bearing eucalypts around
riparian zones will likely benefit the species
• The species is not suitable for Anabat ultrasonic survey. The echolocation call was found
to be indistinguishable from the common Little Broad-nosed Bat.
• Of the listed key threatening processes in NSW six are likely to have some impact on the
Bristle-nosed bat, these are in order of likely importance. Clearing of Native vegetation
(loss of habitat), removal of dead wood (loss of habitat), alteration to natural flow regimes
(loss of habitat), competition from Honey bees (loss of roosts), inappropriate use of fire
(loss of habitat), lack of tree regeneration due to overgrazing by goats (loss of habitat).
Predation by fox and cats is probably low due to the species use of small hollows and
lack of ground based foraging. Other potential threats to consider may be; direct and
indirect poisoning due to pesticide use for plague locust control and agricultural purposes.
Competition from more disturbance tolerant bats.
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Management recommendations
The following suggestions should help the management of this species within Gundabooka
National Park based on results of this research.
1.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Protect known roosts and foraging habitat along riparian zones within the park
especially maternity roosts
Protect hollow resources available in mature eucalypts fringing Yanda Creek and other
areas within the reserve from fire
Monitor the reserve for infestations of Feral Honey bees and undertake control measures
if hives become a problem
Avoid apiary activities within the park
Avoid the use of pesticides for Plague Locust control within 1km of riparian areas within
the park
Continue goat control measures to reduce the overall pressure on regenerating
vegetation within the park
Monitor and restrict illegal removal of timber for firewood from the Park
Continue fox and cat control.
2.
Survey in other areas of the reserve and undertake on going monitoring of the
species to ascertain population size and ecological requirements
To assist with these recommendations a map of known and suspected habitat for this species
within the park has been produced on the basis of this research (Figure 1).
Care should be taken interpreting this map as seasonal use of the landscape may vary and
areas not used in November may be important at other times of the year.
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6
Figure 1. Known and suspected habitat of Mormopterus ‘species 6’ within Gundabooka
National Park
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Introduction
Taxonomy
Mormopterus ‘species 6’ was first recognised a distinct taxon in 1988 (Adams et al. 1988). It
is widely recognised by biologists as being a distinct species on the basis of morphological
and genetic characteristics however it has not yet been formally described, primarily due to
the unresolved taxonomy of the genus Mormopterus in Australia (Reardon 2006, Reardon &
Pennay in press).
Recent work on the phylogeny of the family Molossidae by Reardon (2006) has revealed that
the Australian bats under the genus Mormopterus are misplaced. They are not closely related
to ‘true’ Mormopterus from Africa / Madagascar, home of the type species for the genus
Mormopterus jugularis.
In addition two of the Australian species currently placed under Mormopterus (norfolkensis
and ‘species 6’) are both significantly distinct from other members of the Australian genus and
each other. In fact they represent two divergent branches of separate monotypic genera. The
norfolkensis bat has previously been described under the valid generic name Micronomus by
Troughton, E. le G. in 1944 which is likely to be reinstated however the generic name for
‘species 6’ is presently undescribed.
The importance of this information for land managers is that once this research is formally
published it will further elevate the conservation significance of ‘species 6’ as it is believed to
be more taxonomically and genetically unique than previously recognised, representing a
monotypic genus. There are only three other Australian microchiropterans with this degree of
genetic uniqueness (Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas, Orange Leaf-nosed Bat Rhinonicteris
aurantia, and Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii).
Distribution
The species is endemic to Australia, it was known prior to this study from only 22 specimens
collected from scattered locations throughout the arid and semiarid regions of the Northern
Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Northern New South Wales (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Location of Mormopterus ‘species 6’ records.
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Conservation Status
The species was first discovered in New South Wales at Gundabooka National Park in 1997
when 3 individuals were caught (Ellis, 2001). A further individual were trapped at Bebo State
Forest near Goondiwindi in 2001 (Pennay, 2002) and two individuals were captured nearby at
Bonshaw the following year (DEC, 2004). A total to 6 individuals known for the State.
In 2004 the species was listed as an Endangered species in NSW on the basis of its rarity
and risk of extinction (DEC 2004). Nationally and Internationally its has been given ‘Data
Deficient’ status (Duncan et al. 1999)
Ecological knowledge
Prior to this study nothing was known of the species ecology other than the capture locations
and assumptions based on the habits of its nearest relatives (DEC 2004).
Identification
Mormopterus ‘species 6’ is superficially similar to other Mormopterus species, it possesses a
‘free tail’ not enclosed by the tail membrane common to all Molossids. However it is readily
identified from other Mormopterus species on the basis of its lighter weight and dainty build
(Figure 3). The average weight for adult Mormopterus ‘species 6’ caught at Gundabooka
during this study was 5.5 grams whereas the average weight for other Mormopterus species
that overlap in range with this species is approximately 8.5 grams. The forearm is also long
(34mm) relative to its low weight.
Other distinguishing features are stout bristles on the nose (Figure 4) and a distinctive large
fleshy projection on the genitals of both male and females (Figure 5). All bats caught at
Gundabooka had nostrils much darker than the skin on the muzzle however it is unknown if
this is a reliable characteristic to assist with identification (Figure 3).
Figure 3, Mormopterus ‘species 6’ ( right) compared with Mormopterus ‘species 3’ (left)
is clearly much smaller with less robust features. Note the width of the snout and
thickness of the ear margins. The dark nostrils seen in this bat were present in all M. ‘species
6’ caught at Gundabooka.
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Figure 4. Detail of the face of Mormopterus ‘species 6’ showing the stout bristles on the
nose (rostrum) which distinguish the species from other Mormopterus and form the basis of
its common names “Bristle-nosed bat” or “Hairy-nosed Freetail bat”.
Figure 5. Detail of the penis of a Mormopterus ‘species 6’ showing the fleshy projection
extending from the tip of the penis, this projection is also found on female genitals, its function
is unknown.
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This Study
Objectives
The primary aim of this study was to ascertain basic ecological information about the Bristlenosed Bat (Mormopterus ‘species 6’) to assist with conservation management of the species.
Study Area
The research was conducted in Gunadbooka National Park located approximately 50km
south of Bourke in north-western NSW. Trapping was targeted around the location of the
original captures of Mormopterus ‘species 6’ in 1997(Ellis 2001) in Yanda Creek (Figure 6).
Figure 6. Location of original captures for the species in NSW.
The environment at Gundabooka National Park is semi-arid with a highly variable low annual
rainfall (average 355 mm a year at Bourke), hot summers and mild winters (BOM 2006). The
vegetation is dominated by Mulga shrublands (Acacia aenura), Bimbil Box (Eucalyptus
populnea), Belah (Casuarina pauper) and Coolibah (Eucalyptus coolibah) along the Darling
River. The vegetation of the Park has been severely impacted by grazing by feral goats from
past land management. Much of the Park is now covered by shrubs unpalatable to stock
(Eremophila, Senna and Dodonea species).
Study Period
th
th
The study was undertaken over 10 days from 14 to 24 November 2005. Although storms
and localised flooding hindered research activity on the last 2 days, effectively making the
th
nd
study 8 days duration (14 – 22 ).
Weather during the study period was generally ideal for bat survey work with warm
o
temperatures and low winds. The mean overnight minimum was 18.5 C and mean daily
o
maximum 35.4 C (BOM 2005).
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Methods
Capture methods:
Bats were captured using two methods
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1. Harp traps, standard 4.2m Faunatech – Ausbat Harptraps
(http://www.faunatech.com.au/products/harptrap.html)
2. Mist nets, 2x18m, 38mm mesh size, 70 denier 2 ply nylon mist nets in ‘V’ formation
over water or around roost.
Capture Effort:
st
1. Harp traps = 26 trap nights (2 sites, 8 nights, 14-21 November)
2. Mist nets = 10 hours (3 sites, 3 nights).
Capture Sites:
Bats were captured at 3 sites along Yanda creek (Figure 7). All harp trapping and most Mist
netting was undertaken around two natural pools of water in Yanda creek. Mist netting was
also undertaken around the roost of male bat tagged 1580.
1580
roost
Pool 2
Pool 1
Figure 7. SPOT5 satellite image of Yanda Creek showing the location of capture sites,
‘Ben Lomond’ Airstrip can be seen East of Pool 1 on the Kings Cross - Corella Tank
Road.
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Site “Pool 1”
A small natural (temporary) pool in Yanda Creek immediately north of the Kings Cross –
Corella Tank Road crossing (Figure 8). Traps were placed beneath trees surrounding the pool
up to approximately 30 metres away from the side of the pool. Traps were moved
intermittently to other locations around the pool. Mist netting was conducted immediately over
the pool.
Figure 8. Harp Trapping Site “Pool 1”
Site “Pool 2”
A small natural (temporary) pool in Yanda Creek approximately 800 metres north of the
Kings Cross – Corella Tank Road crossing(Figure 9). Two traps were placed beneath trees
immediately beside the pool as seen below, these traps were not moved during the study.
Mist netting was conducted immediately over the pool.
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Figure 9. Harp Trapping Site “Pool 2”
Site “1580 Roost”
2 mist nets in ‘v’ formation were placed around the entrance of the roost of male bat tag #
1580 in the main channel of Yanda creek approximately 2.67km (direct line) north of the
Kings Cross-Corella Tank Road crossing (Figure 10).
Figure 10. Mist net site “1580 Roost”.
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Radio tracking
A small (0.5g) radio
transmitter (Holohil
BD2N) was attached
to a small patch of
shaved skin between
the shoulder blades
of the bat using
flexible rubber based
contact adhesive
(Figure 11).
Bats were tracked to
roosts during the day
using a Titley
Australis receiver
with an external
antenna either
mounted to a vehicle
or held in hand.
A diurnal search for
day roosts was
conducted daily
following a specified
route (Figure 12).
Figure 11. Radio transmitter attached to a bat prior to release.
The daily search area based on the estimated (measured using a dummy transmitter) range
of the receiver was 16,316 Ha. (Figure 12). Nocturnal monitoring of foraging behaviour was
conducted on foot or at stationary locations using a handheld directional antenna (Figure 13).
Figure 12. Daily search route (red) and search area (grey) based on reception range.
Area = 16,316 Ha.
Flight characteristics: Some bats were tracked on foot during the night, when located, flight
characteristics were recorded using standard definitions (Bullen & McKenzie 2001). A total of
106 minutes of flight behaviour observations were recorded.
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Foraging behaviour: Foraging was monitored opportunistically, or systematically.
Sixteen hours of systematic monitoring was undertaken at 4 sites along Yanda creek over 4
consecutive nights. Radio frequencies of all tagged bats were monitored for the first 3 hours
after dusk (20:30 – 23:30) and the last hour before dawn (4:00-5:00). The direction (compass
bearing) and estimated distance of each bat detected was noted and summarised by the most
frequently observed value in each 15 minute period. Distance estimates were based on the
signal strength recorded by the receiver, using the median figure for the distance range of
each recorded strength (0.5 – 10) recorded using a dummy transmitter and a GPS.
The total search area based on the estimated (measured) range of reception of the receiver
for systematic foraging monitoring was 162 Ha. (Figure 13).
Figure 13. Systematic nocturnal monitoring locations (shaded) showing the reception
range (162 Ha.)
Echolocation calls: Echolocation calls were recorded using an Anabat II detector paired with
an Anabat CF recorder. Bats were recorded on release and tagged bats were recorded in free
flight when located during the night.
Airframe design: A single male specimen was collected to confirm identification and assist
with further taxonomic resolution of the species. Prior to lodging the specimen at the South
Australian Museum a digital photograph of the ventral surface was taken. The airframe
measurements specified by Bullen & McKenzie (2001) were collected by measuring the
spatially rectified photograph using ArcGIS (ESRI).
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Results
Captures
Summary: Capture rates were exceptionally high and included 10 Mormopterus ‘species 6’ a
major increase in the number of records for this species. The results suggest that the Harp
trapping is a suitable method for the capture of this species where they occur
A total of 668 individuals from 7 species were captured (Figures 14), an average of 83.5 bats
per night or 25.7 per trap night. This capture rate is the highest recorded for any survey in
Western NSW, more than 5 times the average capture rate for bat surveys in Western NSW
(5.08 bats per night based on 547 sites from 39 bat surveys. Turbill & Ellis 2006).
The exceptionally high capture rate is probably the result of good weather, high bat densities
and the availability of good trap placement sites close to free standing water. An additional
species, the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) was also seen during the
survey but not captured in the traps. The details of all bats detected have been entered into
the Atlas of NSW Wildlife.
Ten Mormopterus ‘species 6’ bats were caught accounting for 1.5% of the overall captures.
The sex ratio was evenly matched with five of each sex captured. Nine out of the ten bats
captured were adults with one sub-adult male caught. All females captured had given birth
and were lactating at the time of capture. Typical of most Microchiropterans the females were
slightly larger than males, forearm mean = 34.5mm (stdev 0.4), weight mean= 5.5g (stdev 0).
Males forearm mean = 32.9mm (stdev 0.7) weight mean = 5g (stdev 0.6).
The capture of ten individuals of this species is highly significant, representing an
approximate 50% increase in the number captured globally and more than doubling the
number previously recorded in NSW (6).
Bat Captures
Mormopterus sp 3 n= 4 (0.7%)
Chalinolobus gouldii n= 284 (42.5%)
Mormopterus sp 6 n= 10 (1.5%)
Scotorepens balstoni n= 137 (20.5%)
Scotorepens greyi n= 133 (19.9%)
Chalinolobus picatus n= 21 (3.1%)
Nyctophilus geoffroyi n= 77 (11.7%)
Figure 14. Detail of captures by species. Number of individuals / percentage of total.
All species observed in this study have been recorded previously in the park. Three common
bat species of inland Australia species made up more than 80% of captures. The capture of
21 threatened Little Pied Bats was also significant, two females and a male from this species
were also radio tracked. Little Pied Bats also foraged primarily in the riparian zone of Yanda
Creek but flew over 7km away to roost communally in dead Mulga trees during the day.
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Roosts
Summary: A total of three day roosts including one maternity roost were found for
Mormopterus ‘species 6’, all three roosts were in trees within or close to Yanda Creek
confirming speculation that the species utilises tree hollows and indicating riparian zones are
important habitat for the species.
All three Mormopterus roosts were in trees within or beside the Yanda Creek channel and
were in close proximity to each other (276m average). The average distance from roost to the
site where the bat was captured and released was 3.27 kilometres (direct line).
All three Mormopterus roosts shared the common feature of very small entrance holes
Figures 14 to 20 illustrate the location and dimensions of these three roosts. All roosts were
shared with between 4 and 20 other bats and two were used on consecutive nights. Details
are provided in Table 1 below and Figures 14 to 20.
Distance from
release site
Location
Tree species
Tree height / dbh
Tree health
Roost description
Roost entrance
height – Roost
entrance size
Roost height /
orientation
Number of bats
seen exiting roost
Number of days
used/ number of
days observed
Adult Male
(tag 1380)
3.86km
Adult Male
(tag 1580)
2.67km
Lactating Female
(tag 2380)
3.29km
On western bank of
Yanda Ck channel
In sandbar in middle
of Yanda Ck channel
Bimbil box
(Eucalyptus
populnea)
13.8m / 33cm
Healthy <30% dead
Bimbil box
(Eucalyptus
populnea)
12.75m/ 43cm
Senescing >80%
dead
In dead branch
In cluster of trees
63m west of Yanda
Ck channel
Inland Red Box
(Eucalyptus
intertexta)
14.8m / 29cm
Healthy <30% dead
In main trunk of tree
(live wood)
5m / 15x13mm
3.25m / 13x13mm
In base of fork (live
wood)
5.9m / 20mm (est)
2.1m / North
3.25m / North west
5m / North west
4
20
15
2/2
1/3
2/2
Table 1. Details of the three diurnal roosts used by Mormopterus ‘species 6’ located
during this study.
Roost
20
1380
(Adult male )
Captured pool 1
Straight line distance from release = 3.86km
Found 48hrs later
Figure 14. Location of roost used by adult male tag # 1380
Roost
entrance
2.9 metres
Entrance
size 15 x
13mm
Roost
position
Figure 15 A. Roost tree used by adult male #1380 showing location of entrance and
position of bat within the Bimbil Box tree. B. Detail of inset showing roost entrance.
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1580
(Sub-adult male )
Captured pool 2
Roost found next day
Straight line from release (capture) = 2.67km
Figure 16. Location of roost used by sub-adult male tag # 1580
Entrance
13 x13mm
Figure 17. Detail of 1580 roost in dead Bimbil Box branch. Roosting position circled.
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2380
(Lactating female )
Captured pool 1
Roosted next 2 days
Straight line from release (capture) = 3.29km
Figure 18. Location of roost used by lactating adult female tag # 2380
Entrance
20mm
Yanda Creek
Figure 19. Maternity roost used by 2380 roost in Inland Red Box ( Eucalyptus
intertexta) . Inset detailed in Figure 20.
23
Roost
entrance
20mm dia
Roost
Position
5m above
ground level
Figure 20. Detail of maternity roost in Inland Red Box used by lactating female tag #
2380
The location details of Mormopterus ‘species 6’ observations are provided in an appendix to
this report. GPS details of the 3 diurnal roost are provided in Table 2 below. Please note that
the co-ordinates are provided in GDA94 co-ordinate system.
Roost
Adult Male 1380
Easting
382172
Northing
6627300
Sub-adult Male 1580
382525
6626785
Lactating female
2380
382365
6626770
Description
Western bank of
Yanda Creek
Sandbar in main
Yanda Creek
channel
63m west of main
Yanda Creek
channel
Table 2. GPS location details of the three diurnal roosts in GDA94
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Foraging Behaviour
Summary: The bats were found to forage preferentially in the open channels of Yanda Creek,
rarely flying out into the surrounding Mulga vegetation.
Foraging behaviour was observed in two ways, by following tagged bats as they flew at night
(106 minutes observed) and systematically by monitoring tagged bats positions from a fixed
point during the night over 4 nights (16 hours).
Tagged bats were observed spending most time foraging in the open channels of Yanda
Creek, moving between open areas approximately every 10 -15 minutes. Flight was relatively
slow and fluttery, below canopy height at around 3-4 metres elevation, in loose circles with
occasional rapid changes in height and direction in pursuit of prey. The foraging strategy
used best described as “air superiority” (Bullen & McKenzie 2001) meaning that prey was
caught by out manoeuvring it, most foraging activity taking place relatively close to the ground
and vegetation. This is unusual as most Molossid bats use an “air interceptor” strategy relying
on fast direct flight in open spaces above the canopy to catch prey by intercepting them at
speed.
Systematic monitoring of nightly foraging of tagged bats from 4 fixed points resulted in 30
observation locations from 4 individual bats. Almost all (27/30) of the observations were from
within Yanda creek channel. It appeared the bats were foraging up and down the channel
most of the night.
Thirty random points within the search area (receiver reception range) were created to test if
foraging activity was randomly distributed across the landscape or significantly biased
towards the creek channel. Distance from Yanda Creek values (metres) were assigned to
both the random and actual observations using an Euclidean distance model generated in
ArcGIS. (Figure 21).
Foraging observations were not randomly distributed across the landscape. A Ttest measure
of difference between distance from creek values from the two groups (random & actual) was
highly significant ( p= 0.000001). The observed preference for foraging within the creek
channel being statistically significant.
Figure 21. Systematic foraging observations (white) and random points (red) over the
Euclidean distance model from Yanda Creek.
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Echolocation Call
Summary: The echolocation call unfortunately does not appear to be a reliable feature for
identifying this species. Anabat recorded calls appear indistinguishable from Little Broadnosed bat calls, a common species in inland Australia.
Seventy-eight call sequences were recorded of released and foraging tagged bats. The
average characteristic frequency of search phase calls was 36 kHz. The pulse shape is
unusual in that it is a “J” shape more typical of Vespertilionid bats than the usually flatter
profile calls of Molossids (Figure 22). The call shape lends additional weight to the foraging
observations that the species forages in semi cluttered spaces close to vegetation rather than
in open air above the canopy like other Molossid bats.
Unfortunately there are no apparent differences in both call shape, frequency, duration or
pulse interval between Mormopterus ‘species 6’ and the Little Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens
greyi making the two indistinguishable on the basis of Anabat recordings.
Figure 22. Sample frequency vs. time graph of a Mormopterus ‘species 6’ call
illustrating hooked call shape. Inset Mormopterus ‘species 3’ call illustrating flatter
shaped pulses typical of most Molossidae.
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Observation Details
Bat Tag Type
Number
180 Female Adult
180 Female Adult
180 Female Adult
180 Female Adult
1170 Male Adult
1180 Male Adult
1180 Male Adult
1180 Male Adult
1180 Male Adult
1180 Male Adult
1380 Male Adult
1380 Male Adult
1380 Male Adult
1380 Male Adult
1380 Male Adult
1790 Female Adult
1790 Female Adult
2180 Male Adult
2380 Female Adult
2990 Female Adult
2990 Female Adult
2990 Female Adult
180 Female Adult
580 Male Adult
1180 Male Adult
1380 Male Adult
1580 Male Sub Adult
1790 Female Adult
2180 Male Adult
2380 Female Adult
2990 Female Adult
Night
X-co-ord
Y- co-ord time
Method
17/11/2005
17/11/2005
17/11/2005
17/11/ 2005
17/11/2005
18/11/2005
18/11/2005
18/11/2005
18/11/2005
18/11/2005
18/11/2005
18/11/2005
19/11/2005
20/11/2005
21/11/2005
17/11/2005
18/11/2005
20/11/2005
20/11/2005
21/11/2005
21/11/2005
21/11/2005
14/11/2005
21/11/2005
17/11/2005
18/11/2005
19/11/2005
17/11/2005
20/11/2005
20/11/2005
21/11/2005
383200
382465
382192
382647
383512
383213
383220
383204
383220
383211
384093
383979
383194
383194
383194
383176
383352
382206
383287
382515
382422
382825
383287
383287
383200
383287
383200
383200
383287
383287
382525
6624210 night
6624992 night
6625368 night
6626085 night
6623018 night
6622688 night
6623437 night
6623491 night
6623437 night
6623505 night
6623059 night
6623018 night
6624407 dawn
6624407 dawn
6624407 dawn
6624384 night
6623765 night
6623511 dawn
6623511 night
6626730 night
6626922 night
6626778 night
6623616 night
6623616 night
6624210 night
6623616 night
6624210 night
6624210 night
6623616 night
6623616 night
6626785 night
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
incidental
release
release
release
release
release
release
release
release
release
1380 Male Adult
1380 Male Adult
1580 Male Sub Adult
1790 Female Adult
2380 Female Adult
2380 Female Adult
2380 Female Adult
1380 Male Adult
21/11/2005
22/11/2005
20/11/2005
17/11/2005
20/11/2005
21/11/2005
22/11/2005
19/11/2005
382172
382172
382525
383194
383194
382365
382365
383333
6627300
6627300
6626785
6624407
6624407
6626770
6626770
6623988
1380 Male Adult
19/11/2005
383249
6624012 dawn
1380 Male Adult
19/11/2005
383327
6624077 night
1380 Male Adult
20/11/2005
382890
6624612 night
1380 Male Adult
20/11/2005
382865
6624644 night
1380 Male Adult
20/11/2005
382865
6624644 night
roost
roost
roost
roost
roost
roost
roost
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
day
day
day
night
night
day
day
dawn
27
Bat Tag Type
Number
1380 Male Adult
28
Night
X-co-ord
Y- co-ord time
21/11/2005
382617
6626925 night
1380 Male Adult
21/11/2005
382422
6626922 night
1380 Male Adult
21/11/2005
382446
6626897 night
1380 Male Adult
22/11/2005
382356
6626943 night
1580 Male Sub Adult
19/11/2005
383327
6624077 night
1580 Male Sub Adult
20/11/2005
383101
6624415 night
1580 Male Sub Adult
20/11/2005
383101
6624415 night
1580 Male Sub Adult
20/11/2005
383101
6624415 night
1580 Male Sub Adult
20/11/2005
383101
6624415 night
2180 Male Adult
19/11/2005
383259
6623905 dawn
2180 Male Adult
20/11/2005
383101
6624415 night
2180 Male Adult
20/11/2005
383101
6624456 night
2180 Male Adult
20/11/2005
382982
6624590 night
2180 Male Adult
22/11/2005
382356
6626943 night
2380 Female Adult
20/11/2005
383060
6624516 night
2380 Female Adult
20/11/2005
382998
6624577 night
2380 Female Adult
21/11/2005
382825
6626778 night
2380 Female Adult
21/11/2005
382697
6626787 night
2380 Female Adult
21/11/2005
382422
6626922 night
2380 Female Adult
21/11/2005
382446
6626897 night
2380 Female Adult
22/11/2005
382364
6626776 night
2380 Female Adult
22/11/2005
382364
6626776 night
2380 Female Adult
22/11/2005
382364
6626776 night
2380 Female Adult
22/11/2005
382499
6626774 night
Method
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Systematic
monitoring
Acknowledgments
This work was conducted during my annual leave special thanks is due to my family for
allowing me to take them on a batting expedition to Gundabooka as our holiday.
The Bourke Office of National Parks and Wildlife Service and Gundabooka staff (Nerida
Green, Angela Seymour, Thomas Schmid, Tony Zofrea, Matt Smith) assisted greatly by
provided funding for the purchase of transmitters, logistical support, accommodation, use of
ATV’s and field assistance. DEC Dubbo Office supported the project through the generous
loan of traps, radio tracking and other field equipment.
Marc Irvin and Murray Ellis from DEC Dubbo lent their considerable expertise as volunteer
field assistants. Thank you.
The project was conducted under DEC Animal Research Authority 050905/1 and Scientific
Licence S11705.
References
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http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200511/html/IDCJDW2016.200511.shtml
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http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_048013.shtml
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th
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29
Capture