Ecological Study of the Endangered

Bristle-nosed ( ‘species 6’) and Survey of Microchiropteran 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 ’s least known microbats, known from only 22 specimens captured at scattered locations in the arid and semi arid regions of central Australia, and north-western . 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 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.

3 4 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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Figure 1. Known and suspected habitat of Mormopterus ‘species 6’ within Gundabooka National Park

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8 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 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, , 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.

11 12 This Study

Objectives The primary aim of this study was to ascertain basic ecological information about the Bristle- nosed 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 . 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 The study was undertaken over 10 days from 14th to 24th November 2005. Although storms and localised flooding hindered research activity on the last 2 days, effectively making the study 8 days duration (14th – 22nd). Weather during the study period was generally ideal for bat survey work with warm temperatures and low winds. The mean overnight minimum was 18.5oC and mean daily maximum 35.4 oC (BOM 2005).

13 Methods

Capture methods: Bats were captured using two methods 1. Harp traps, standard 4.2m2 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: 1. Harp traps = 26 trap nights (2 sites, 8 nights, 14-21st 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.

14 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.

17 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

Chalinolobus gouldii n= 284 (42.5%) Mormopterus sp 3 n= 4 (0.7%)

Mormopterus sp 6 n= 10 (1.5%)

Scotorepens balstoni n= 137 (20.5%) Chalinolobus picatus n= 21 (3.1%)

Scotorepens greyi n= 133 (19.9%) 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.

Adult Male Adult Male Lactating Female (tag 1380) (tag 1580) (tag 2380) Distance from 3.86km 2.67km 3.29km release site Location On western bank of In sandbar in middle In cluster of trees Yanda Ck channel of Yanda Ck channel 63m west of Yanda Ck channel Tree species Bimbil box Bimbil box Inland Red Box (Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus populnea) populnea) intertexta) Tree height / dbh 13.8m / 33cm 12.75m/ 43cm 14.8m / 29cm Tree health Healthy <30% dead Senescing >80% Healthy <30% dead dead Roost description In main trunk of tree In dead branch In base of fork (live (live wood) wood) Roost entrance 5m / 15x13mm 3.25m / 13x13mm 5.9m / 20mm (est) height – Roost entrance size Roost height / 2.1m / North 3.25m / North west 5m / North west orientation Number of bats 4 20 15 seen exiting roost Number of days 2/2 1/3 2/2 used/ number of days observed

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.

22 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 Easting Northing Description Adult Male 1380 382172 6627300 Western bank of Yanda Creek Sub-adult Male 1580 382525 6626785 Sandbar in main Yanda Creek channel Lactating female 382365 6626770 63m west of main 2380 Yanda Creek channel

Table 2. GPS location details of the three diurnal roosts in GDA94

24 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.

25 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 Broad- nosed 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.

26 Observation Details

Bat Tag Type Night X-co-ord Y- co-ord time Method Number 180 Female Adult 17/11/2005 383200 6624210 night incidental 180 Female Adult 17/11/2005 382465 6624992 night incidental 180 Female Adult 17/11/2005 382192 6625368 night incidental 180 Female Adult 17/11/ 2005 382647 6626085 night incidental 1170 Male Adult 17/11/2005 383512 6623018 night incidental 1180 Male Adult 18/11/2005 383213 6622688 night incidental 1180 Male Adult 18/11/2005 383220 6623437 night incidental 1180 Male Adult 18/11/2005 383204 6623491 night incidental 1180 Male Adult 18/11/2005 383220 6623437 night incidental 1180 Male Adult 18/11/2005 383211 6623505 night incidental 1380 Male Adult 18/11/2005 384093 6623059 night incidental 1380 Male Adult 18/11/2005 383979 6623018 night incidental 1380 Male Adult 19/11/2005 383194 6624407 dawn incidental 1380 Male Adult 20/11/2005 383194 6624407 dawn incidental 1380 Male Adult 21/11/2005 383194 6624407 dawn incidental 1790 Female Adult 17/11/2005 383176 6624384 night incidental 1790 Female Adult 18/11/2005 383352 6623765 night incidental 2180 Male Adult 20/11/2005 382206 6623511 dawn incidental 2380 Female Adult 20/11/2005 383287 6623511 night incidental 2990 Female Adult 21/11/2005 382515 6626730 night incidental 2990 Female Adult 21/11/2005 382422 6626922 night incidental 2990 Female Adult 21/11/2005 382825 6626778 night incidental 180 Female Adult 14/11/2005 383287 6623616 night release 580 Male Adult 21/11/2005 383287 6623616 night release 1180 Male Adult 17/11/2005 383200 6624210 night release 1380 Male Adult 18/11/2005 383287 6623616 night release 1580 Male Sub Adult 19/11/2005 383200 6624210 night release 1790 Female Adult 17/11/2005 383200 6624210 night release 2180 Male Adult 20/11/2005 383287 6623616 night release 2380 Female Adult 20/11/2005 383287 6623616 night release 2990 Female Adult 21/11/2005 382525 6626785 night release 1380 Male Adult 21/11/2005 382172 6627300 day roost 1380 Male Adult 22/11/2005 382172 6627300 day roost 1580 Male Sub Adult 20/11/2005 382525 6626785 day roost 1790 Female Adult 17/11/2005 383194 6624407 night roost 2380 Female Adult 20/11/2005 383194 6624407 night roost 2380 Female Adult 21/11/2005 382365 6626770 day roost 2380 Female Adult 22/11/2005 382365 6626770 day roost 1380 Male Adult 19/11/2005 383333 6623988 dawn Systematic monitoring 1380 Male Adult 19/11/2005 383249 6624012 dawn Systematic monitoring 1380 Male Adult 19/11/2005 383327 6624077 night Systematic monitoring 1380 Male Adult 20/11/2005 382890 6624612 night Systematic monitoring 1380 Male Adult 20/11/2005 382865 6624644 night Systematic monitoring 1380 Male Adult 20/11/2005 382865 6624644 night Systematic monitoring

27 Bat Tag Type Night X-co-ord Y- co-ord time Method Number 1380 Male Adult 21/11/2005 382617 6626925 night Systematic monitoring 1380 Male Adult 21/11/2005 382422 6626922 night Systematic monitoring 1380 Male Adult 21/11/2005 382446 6626897 night Systematic monitoring 1380 Male Adult 22/11/2005 382356 6626943 night Systematic monitoring 1580 Male Sub Adult 19/11/2005 383327 6624077 night Systematic monitoring 1580 Male Sub Adult 20/11/2005 383101 6624415 night Systematic monitoring 1580 Male Sub Adult 20/11/2005 383101 6624415 night Systematic monitoring 1580 Male Sub Adult 20/11/2005 383101 6624415 night Systematic monitoring 1580 Male Sub Adult 20/11/2005 383101 6624415 night Systematic monitoring 2180 Male Adult 19/11/2005 383259 6623905 dawn Systematic monitoring 2180 Male Adult 20/11/2005 383101 6624415 night Systematic monitoring 2180 Male Adult 20/11/2005 383101 6624456 night Systematic monitoring 2180 Male Adult 20/11/2005 382982 6624590 night Systematic monitoring 2180 Male Adult 22/11/2005 382356 6626943 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 20/11/2005 383060 6624516 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 20/11/2005 382998 6624577 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 21/11/2005 382825 6626778 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 21/11/2005 382697 6626787 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 21/11/2005 382422 6626922 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 21/11/2005 382446 6626897 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 22/11/2005 382364 6626776 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 22/11/2005 382364 6626776 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 22/11/2005 382364 6626776 night Systematic monitoring 2380 Female Adult 22/11/2005 382499 6626774 night Systematic monitoring

28 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 Research Authority 050905/1 and Scientific Licence S11705.

References

Adams M, Reardon TR, Baverstock PR, Watts CHS (1988) Electrophoretic resolution of species boundaries in Australian Microchiroptera. IV Molossidae (Chiroptera). Australian Journal of Biological Sciences 40, 417-433. BOM. (2005) Bourke November daily weather observations http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200511/html/IDCJDW2016.200511.shtml BOM. (2006) Bourke post office long term averages http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_048013.shtml Bullen, R., McKenzie, N. L. (2001) Bat airframe design: Flight performance, stability and control in relation to foraging ecology. Australian Journal of Zoology, 49, 235- 261. DEC. (2004) Hairy-nosed Freetail Bat Endangered Species Listing, NSW Scientific Committee. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/hairy- nosed_freetail_bat_endangered. Duncan, A., Baker, G B., Montgomery, N. (1999) The Action Plan For Australian Bats, Department of Environment and Heritage. Canberra. Ellis, M. (2001) The first record of the Hairy-nosed Freetail Bat in New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 31, 608-609. Pennay, M. (2002) 'Brigalow Belt South Stage 2 Vertebrate Fauna Survey, Analysis and Modelling Projects.' Resource and Conservation Division, Planning NSW, . Reardon, T.(2006) Systematics of Mormopterus (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Presentation at the 12th Australasian Bat Society Conference. Auckland. Reardon, T., Pennay, M. (in press) Bristle-nosed Freetail Bat, in of Australia .Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R.,(eds) , Reed Books. Turbill, C., Ellis, M. (2006) Distribution and abundance of the south-eastern form of the greater long-eared bat Nyctophilus timoriensis. Australian Mammalogy 28(1), 1- 7.

29 Capture