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Greater Broad-nosed Bat
Scoteanax rueppellii
Conservation Status
Vulnerable species in New South Wales (Threatened Species Conservation Act). Classified as ‘lower risk (near threatened)’ at national level.
What does it look like?
It is a large powerful bat, up to 95mm long, with a broad head and a short square muzzle. It is dark reddish-brown to mid-brown above and slightly paler below. It is distinguished from other broad-nosed bats by its greater size. (from DEC NSW Threatened Species Profile)
Where does it live?
It is endemic to Australia and is restricted to the east coast and adjacent areas of the Great Dividing Range, from the Atherton Tableland in northern Queensland, south to the Victorian border. In the southern part of its range is appears to be restricted to lower altitude forests, while in the central part it occurs in both coastal and upland areas. In the north is only lives in higher altitudes. In Pittwater there are records for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat in Bilgola (1982) and Deep Creek Reserve (1996) with the most recent in 1998 at Church Point.
They occur in a variety of habitats, including dry and wet eucalypt forest and woodland, rainforest, but show a preference for moist gully forests. It usually roosts in tree hollows (chiefly eucalypts), but has also been recorded in the roof spaces of old buildings. It is believed to be dependent on mature forest on soils of high fertility.
What does it eat and what is their life cycle?
They have a varied insectivorous and carnivorous diet. Its flight is slow and direct, with poor manoeuvrability. It feeds on slow-flying prey such as large moths and a variety of beetles. It regularly consumes other bat species, at least in bat traps. In dense vegetation it forages along natural and man-made flyways such as roads. Creeks and small rivers are favoured corridors where the species hawks backwards and forwards for prey, sometimes within 1 m of water. It also hunts at forest edges.
Prior to birth, females congregate at maternity sites, located in suitable tree hollows. Males appear to be excluded during the birth and raising of the young. The single young is born in January.
Updated: 25 Jul 2011
Related Links
- Greater Broad-nosed Bat - DEC NSW Threatened Species Profile