SPECIES: Chalinolobus dwyeri — Large-eared Pied Bat
CLASSIFICATION: Endangered
Only discovered in the 1960s, still today, little is known about the Large-eared Pied Bat. Categorised as a medium-sized bat - now when we say medium-sized, its total length is just 100mm (!!!), this bat has glossy, jet-black fur all over and a white band where the wing membranes meet its body. Only recorded in parts of north-eastern NSW and south-eastern Queensland, the Large-eared Pied Bat forages for insects at night around roost sites. Females will have one or maybe two pups per year, which makes recovering from population declines a very hard task. Also under threat from feral cats, land clearing and wildfire.
Despite their crucial ecological roles, bats in Australia continue to face severe threats and many populations of bat species are in decline. FAME’s newest PhD student, Oli Aylen is researching the benefits of fenced conservation areas for bats.
To learn more or make a donation, visit the project page of the website https://www.fame.org.au/projects/arid-zone-bats-and-fenced-conservation-reserves/
Photo: Doug Beckers