The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve: Final

complex and the movement of bats between northern and southern breeding populations is poorly
understood (P. Wilson pers. comm.). Banding data indicates bats regularly move distances of 100km
and occasionally make long distance movements of up to 1,000km (Wilson 2003). Individual females
tend to return to the same maternity roost but movements between maternity roosts are recorded in
banding data (Wilson 2003). The roosting requirements for this species appear to vary seasonally and
differ between the sexes. In November and early December reproductive females congregate en
masse in limestone caves (and occasionally mine adits) in order to raise young (R. Williams pers.
comm.). Females and independent young then disperse from maternity caves to alternative roost
locations in early March. Non-reproductive animals and adult males may remain at bachelor roosts
during the maternity period. It is possible that many bentwing-bats from this area migrate to the coast
for the winter.
Although both sexes of this bat are present year round at JKCR, this survey found the population at
Paradox Cave to be heavily male biased in February and March, switching to being heavily female
biased in April-May, with a large proportion of young animals. It is likely these females and young had
dispersed from a nearby maternity roost. Interestingly, predominantly male bats caught in February-
March had distinctly bicoloured fur (the head, nape appearing a rufous colour). This is presumed to be
chemical bleaching and reflects the conditions where these bats reside. However, by April-May only
half the animals had chemical bleaching, further suggesting an influx of animals from elsewhere.
Regional Conservation Significance
The eastern bentwing-bat is widespread and secure within the region (DECC 2007) though there are
few large roost sites and no maternity sites known. For this reason, any impacts on important roosts
could result in rapid regional declines. JKCR is important regionally due to the large numbers of
eastern bentwing-bats that roost there and the location of the karst cave complex is vital as a northsouth
movement corridor connecting the maternity sites of northern and southern parts of the species'
range. Maternity caves in the southern highlands of NSW include Bungonia and Wee Jasper (ABBS
banding records) and Willi Willi and Riverton caves in northern NSW (Dwyer 1963, Dwyer and
Hamilton-Smith 1965; Purchase, 1962, 1969a, b; Simpson and Hamilton-Smith, 1965).
Threats in the Survey Area
Disturbance of hibernating colonies can lead to starvation due to loss of energy reserves (Gilmore and
Parnaby 1994). Disturbance of smaller roosts by recreational caving and tourism may also be
significant. In addition, some individuals are preyed upon by feral cats and less often, foxes (Dwyer
1995). This species is particularly sensitive to inappropriate gating of cave entrances. Changes to
temperature and humidity (including via sedimentation of watercourses), artificial lighting, noise
pollution and public disturbance may also be important. This species is sometimes roadkilled (DECCW
2011) and may be vulnerable to white-nose syndrome should it be introduced. Climate change could
potentially eliminate this species from the region (Wilson preliminary data).
Management Considerations
The communal roost and hibernation sites at JKCR are a rare and significant resource in the region
and NSW and have high conservation significance. If any maternity sites are found they should be
the highest priority for conservation management.
Paradox Cave and any other cave where eastern bentwing-bats roost in large numbers should be
classed as ‘scientific reference caves’ (following the cave access policy DECCW 2010a).
Management actions should be taken to minimise disturbance to the bats. As a minimum, no
recreational caving should be permitted during the hibernation period.
A management plan should be developed for Mammoth Cave that formally addresses how the
adventure caving operations that occur avoid or minimise impacts on roosting bats.
Avoid gating caves where the eastern bentwing-bat is known to roost. New gates or upgrading of
existing gates should follow the OEH cave gating guidelines (DECC 2010b) with site-based
assessment and monitoring in consultation with a bat ecologist and the Australasian Bat Society.
Continue existing fox and cat control programs.
Continue feral herbivore and pig control programs as they may impact on the level of sedimentation
of the caves and hence temperature and humidity.
Changes to lighting within caves should consider potential impacts on cave-roosting bats. Any
changes should involve consultation with a bat ecologist and the Australasian Bat Society.
Continue to collect information on the presence of bats through the cave access permit system and
document important findings in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife.
For further details on managing cave-dwelling bats see section 9: cave-dwelling fauna.
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The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve