Bats play a critical role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems across Australia, making them invaluable to both biodiversity and human well-being. As the only flying mammals, Australia’s 83 species of bats, ranging from the large fruit bats (flying foxes) to the tiny insectivorous microbats, provide essential services that help sustain the environment.
Maintaining biodiversity and balanced ecosystems through Arid Zone Bats
PhD Research, New South Wales and South Australia
EPBC:
VulnerableIUCN:
Least ConcernThreats:
Project Location:
North-Eastern, NSW
The Project
Oli Aylen, PhD student at the University of New South Wales, is researching the benefits of fenced conservation areas for bats. Oli’s research will explore whether bats, like their ground-dwelling counterparts, benefit from fenced conservation areas. By using bioacoustic arrays, DNA analysis (to investigate whether feral cats prey on bats in the arid zone), tracking bats to roosts, and conducting vegetation assessments, Oli’s aim is to uncover how bats interact with these reserves.
Why we need to act
In Australia, out of the 83 bat species, 35 are currently listed as at risk of extinction, according to conservation assessments. These species face significant threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. For example, the Spectacled Flying Fox and the Southern Bent-wing Bat are classified as endangered, with their populations rapidly declining due to deforestation and extreme weather events.
The decline of these bat species not only endangers their survival but also disrupts the vital ecosystem services they provide, such as pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. Protecting bats, especially the species at risk, is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the health of Australia’s ecosystems. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving habitats, mitigating climate impacts, and raising awareness of the importance of bats are crucial to preventing their extinction.
Threats to the species
Despite their importance, bats in Australia face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, introduced predators, and persecution. Urbanisation has led to the loss of crucial roosting sites, while extreme heat events - exacerbated by climate change - have resulted in mass die-offs of flying foxes. Additionally, some species are at risk from human activities, such as the culling of flying foxes near agricultural areas.
In protecting bats, we are not just preserving individual species but ensuring the continued health of ecosystems across Australia. Their pollination, pest control, and role as biodiversity indicators highlight the interconnectedness of all life forms and the need for a balanced approach to conservation.
Bat facts
Australia has 83 species of bat; 35 of which are currently listed on the EPBC.
Bats range in size from small microbats – that weigh 3 grams all the way up to large flying foxes weighing over 1kg and with a wingspan of 1.5 metres.
Flying foxes can travel up to 50km in a single night; they sleep in ‘camps’ during the day.
Flying foxes play an important role in pollination and seed dispersal.
Flying foxes are actually good swimmers!
Project partners and additional information
FAME is partnering with the University of New South Wales for this project.
Photo Credit: Oli Aylen
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