The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve: Final

fauna at JKCR are also required to negotiate existing gates. Sooty owls at Arch Cave probably enter
via ungated entrances and it is uncertain what impacts gating has on this owl. Brush-tailed rockwallabies
appear to readily negotiate the modern gates at both Arch and Nettle Caves.
Introduction of white-nose syndrome
White-nose syndrome Geomyces destructans is a serious fungal disease that affects cave-dwelling
bats. It is implicated in massive sudden declines of cave-roosting bats in northeast America. The
fungus is widespread in Europe, where it is not known to cause mass die-offs of bats, suggesting it is
native to this area (Puechmaille et al. 2011). It does not yet occur at JKCR, though the potential to
cause catastrophic declines in bats means it must be rated as a serious potential threat. The high level
of visitation at JKCR, including visitors from infected areas such as the USA and Europe, means the
likelihood of introducing this disease is relatively high.
This disease is not yet known from Australia and
potential effects on native bat populations are
unknown. However, impacts observed elsewhere
mean extreme caution is warranted. Cavers and
bat researchers should take precautions to
prevent the introduction from infected areas (e.g.
Northeast America and Europe) into Australia.
This fungus as been found growing on cave walls
(Puechmaille et al. 2011) and therefore may be
transmissible via sediments or organic materials
adhering to clothing, shoes or equipment.
Clothing and equipment used while visiting caves
outside Australia should therefore not be used in
Australia. Diseases, once introduced into wild
populations are rarely if ever eradicated (Blehert
et al. 2011). White-nose syndrome is still a
developing issue and cave managers and users
are encouraged to keep informed of this latest
research in this field.
The disease appears to only affect cave-roosting
species. Many Australian bats are tree roosting
and likely to be less susceptible to this disease.
Within JKCR the species most likely to be
impacted are the eastern bentwing-bat, the largeeared
pied bat and the eastern horseshoe bat.
Symptoms indicative of infection are:
mass mortality events
white fungal growth around nose, ears or wings (Blehert et al. 2011)
sudden disappearances of bats from known roosts (aside from seasonal movements)
bats roosting in thermally unstable sites (e.g. near cave entrances) (Blehert et al. 2011)
day-time flight of bats
sick hibernating bats.
Potential impacts of the introduction of this disease cannot be overstated, with some predicted or
known effects including: loss of biodiversity, increased incidence of insect borne disease due to a
decline in bat populations (Blehert et al. 2011) and impacts on tourism due to quarantining of infected
caves.
9.4.2 Threats common to cave environments and the remainder of JKCR
Introduced predators
Foxes, cats and black rats are all predators capable of impacting on cave-dwelling fauna. Introduced
predators impact on cave-dwelling fauna by directly predating upon them or disturbing them while they
are roosting. Wild dogs have not been included on this list as they do not commonly venture into
caves, though they are considered in the list of threats impacting on forest fauna at JKCR.
118
Karst. Photo © N. Williams
The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve