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Large-eared Pied Bat
Chalinolobus dwyeri
Conservation Status
Vulnerable species in New South Wales (Threatened Species Conservation Act). At national level, it is listed as Vulnerable in the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
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What does it look like?A small to medium-sized bat with long, prominent eats and glossy black fur. The lower body has broad white fringes running under the wings and tail-membrane, meeting in a V-shape in the pubic area. This species is one of the wattled bats, with small lobes of skin between the ears and the corner of the mouth. (from DEC NSW Threatened Species Profile) |
Where does it live?
Records indicate they are distributed in scattered localities in eastern Australia from near Rockhampton in central coastal Queensland to Bungonia in southern New South Wales. In Pittwater they have been seen using St Michaels Cave, between Avalon and Bangalley Head from 1998 until 2005. It is likely that the species is still currently using this cave. Calls of this species were also recorded at Angophora Reserve in 2005.
They live in a range of habitats including dry and wet eucalypt forest, Callitris forest, eucalypt forest with a rainforest understorey, sub-alpine woodland and sandstone outcrop country. Daytime roost sites are caves and disused mine shafts, and even the abandoned, bottle-shaped mud nests of Fairy Martins. In caves, individuals huddle in groups of 3 to 37, often close to the cave entrance, in contrast to other cave-dwelling bats, which usually seek the deeper, darker parts of the cave systems.
What does it eat?
There is little information about what the Large-eared Pied Bat eats but it probably forages for small flying insects below the forest canopy. It flies relatively slowly, with rapid but shallow wing beats. The flight is direct and moderately manoeuvrable.
Species Research
Knowledge of the species is largely based on observations at Copeton in northern New South Wales. Up to 13 adult females and a few males assembled here deep inside a mine tunnel in early spring. Females gave birth to one or two young during late November and early December and these were suckled until late January. It is likely that they hibernate over winter. Females must be at least 12 months old to be able to breed.Updated: 18 Jul 2011
Related Links
- Large-eared Pied Bat - DEC NSW Threatened Species Profile