The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve: Final

extinct. A remnant population therefore holds high regional conservation significance and this is
discussed further in the species profiles section.
Eddison (2008) reports multiple sightings of a small pademelon-like macropod within JKCR. No
observations of such a macropod were made during the current surveys, despite targeted infra-red
camera trapping, however the sightings remain of considerable interest as small macropod species
are generally considered to be extinct in the region. Possible species that may fit the descriptions
given are the: red-necked pademelon (Thylogale thetis), long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) or
bettong (Bettongia or Aepyprymnus spp.). None of these species have been recorded within 100
kilometres of JKCR within recent history and it is also possible these sightings could be of a young or
atypical red-necked wallaby. Any potential sightings of these species are very important and should be
reported to the local NPWS office, with photographic evidence if possible. Diggings thought to be from
either potoroos or bandicoots are worthy of follow up surveys as neither the long-nosed potoroo nor
any bandicoot species have been recorded on the reserve recently.
The common dunnart was confirmed within the reserve for the first time as a live capture (previously
only being recorded in owl pellets). This species is presumably uncommon in the area though it can be
difficult to capture. Conversely, short-beaked echidnas were commonly recorded during the current
survey. They have generalist habitat requirements, being found in a range of environments throughout
most of Australia. Like many species, they probably take advantage of the abundance of refuge sites
provided by the karst.
Two semi-aquatic mammals, the platypus and water-rat, are known from JKCR. The platypus was
recorded from Blue Lake during the current survey program, where it is regularly observed by staff and
visitors, and has also been reported in Surveyors Creek. The water-rat is only known from a single
observation – a photograph taken by a staff member at the caves. It was not detected during the
current surveys despite targeted search efforts.
4.2.6 Bats
A total of 16 species of bat are known from
JKCR, including the grey-headed flying-fox. A
total of five threatened species are known, four of
which were recorded during the current survey.
Three largely cave-dependent bats occur within
JKCR: the eastern bentwing-bat, large-eared
pied bat and the eastern horseshoe bat. Other
species that will sometimes roost in caves are the
eastern false pipistrelle and Gould’s long-eared
bat (both detected in caves during current
survey) and the Gould’s and chocolate wattled
bats. Another species known to occasionally
roost in caves is the lesser long-eared bat
(Churchill 2008). The remainder of the microbat
species captured usually roost in small tree
hollows, of which there is an abundance in JKCR.
Little forest bat. Photo © M. Schulz
Species recorded in previous work but not in the current project are the greater broad-nosed bat,
which is known from one record (Herr 2000a,b), and the eastern broad-nosed bat, which is known
from 3 records. These species are tentatively accepted as part of the species inventory, but ideally
further supporting evidence of their occurrence is required. Further to this, one species has been
withheld from the species inventory pending further supporting evidence: the large-footed myotis.
While this species may possibly occur, the only existing records are from bat ultrasound recordings
with a ‘probable’ confidence level (LesryK 2005). No evidence of this species was found during the
current surveys despite intensive targeted trapping and ultrasound surveys around the prime habitat
(Blue Lake and downstream) and further evidence is required before this bat is added to the species
inventory.
Insectivorous bats are abundant at JKCR, presumably due to the ample roosting resources, which
include both caves and tree hollows, and the elevated soil fertility in the area. Bat activity and diversity
was generally highest around water bodies, which are used by bats to drink and forage. The most
commonly detected/captured species of bats were hollow-roosting species, representing
approximately 80 per cent of all captures. At some sites, extremely large numbers of ultrasonic bat
calls were recorded. At one site 1000 calls were recorded in one night, the majority being species from
the genus Vespadelus.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve 33