Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999 - Byron Shire Council

A GREENPRINT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii
Regional distribution and abundance. The Greater Broad-nosed Bat is sparsely and patchily distributed throughout
northeastern New South Wales from coastal areas to the tablelands. There is no clear pattern of occurrence except for a
concentration of records along the coast and the eastern edge of the tablelands and a general avoidance of areas of high
rainfall (ANSWW database). Although reported densities are all low, the region is regarded as the species’ distributional
stronghold (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1994).
General ecology (habitat, shelter, diet, territory, breeding, movements). The Greater Broad-nosed Bat occurs in a range
of dry and moist sclerophyll forest and woodland habitats, including swamp sclerophyll forest and has also been recorded
in the vicinity of small rainforest stands (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1994, Hoye 1995, Appendix 10).
Little is known of its detailed ecology although it is considered to have a preference for the more open forests and
woodlands and has been observed foraging in flight in open areas, about the edges of vegetation patches and in canopy
gaps (Calaby 1966, Hoye 1995, Parnaby in prep.). The species’ diet is reported to consist mainly of large invertebrates
(Hoye and Richards 1995) but small vertebrates may also be taken because it is known to eat smaller microchiropteran
bats when captured together in harp traps (Woodside and Long 1984; A. Gilmore unpubl. data). Only one young is
produced annually (Hoye and Richards 1995).
Daytime roosts have been recorded in hollows in small dead trees (Hoye 1995, Parnaby in prep.). Its maternity roost or
breeding requirements are unknown, although it is assumed to use large hollow trees for this purpose (e.g. Gilmore and
Parnaby 1994).
Conservation status and threatening processes. The Greater Broad-nosed Bat is listed on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act,
1995 as Vulnerable. The original reasons for its listing as an endangered species were ‘population reduced; threatening
processes severe; ecological specialist’ (NSW Scientific Committee).
With little information on its ecological requirements, the major threats appear likely to be loss of structural diversity in
forests, particularly old-growth components such as large old trees which may provide maternity sites and higher densities
of food species. Impacts adversely affecting breeding and the survival of young may be significant because of the low
recruitment rate.
Local distribution and abundance. The species is known from only a few locations in Byron Shire and these are mostly
widely spaced in coastal areas. During the bat call survey (Appendix 10), records were obtained of individuals at the
Booyong Big Scrub rainforest reserve on the Wilsons River and from an old-growth Forest Red Gum stand at Tyagarah,
where 3 individuals were observed foraging. As with its regional distribution, the local distribution of the Greater Broadnosed
Bat appears to be sparse and patchy.
Local ecology and conservation significance of the study area. Old-growth and mature eucalypt and melaleuca stands
primarily outside the current reserve system appear to provide the main habitat for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat in
Byron Shire. Areas known or likely to be important comprise forest and woodland along the lower Brunswick River
including the area west of Brunswick Heads, in the Tyagarah area centred around an extensive Forest Red Gum stand, and
in the lower Belongil Creek, Skinner’s Shoot and Suffolk Park areas. Hollow-bearing trees in these areas are likely to be
important for diurnal roosts and large old trees, a scarce resource locally, may provide maternity sites.
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