Nature conservation

Threatened species

Greater Broad-nosed Bat - profile

Indicative distribution


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Key:
known
predicted
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Scoteanax rueppellii
Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable
Commonwealth status: Not listed
Profile last updated: 19 Apr 2024

Description

The Greater Broad-nosed Bat is a large powerful bat, up to 95 mm long, with a broad head and a short square muzzle. It is dark reddish-brown to mid-brown above and slightly paler below. It is distinguished from other broad-nosed bats by its greater size. While similar to the Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis, it differs by having only two (not four) upper incisors.

Distribution

The Greater Broad-nosed Bat is found mainly in the gullies and river systems that drain the Great Dividing Range, from north-eastern Victoria to the Atherton Tableland. It extends to the coast over much of its range. In NSW it is widespread on the New England Tablelands, however does not occur at altitudes above 500 m.

Habitat and ecology

  • Utilises a variety of habitats from woodland through to moist and dry eucalypt forest and rainforest, though it is most commonly found in tall wet forest.
  • Although this species usually roosts in tree hollows, it has also been found in buildings.
  • Forages after sunset, flying slowly and directly along creek and river corridors at an altitude of 3 - 6 m.
  • Open woodland habitat and dry open forest suits the direct flight of this species as it searches for beetles and other large, slow-flying insects; this species has been known to eat other bat species.
  • Little is known of its reproductive cycle, however a single young is born in January; prior to birth, females congregate at maternity sites located in suitable trees, where they appear to exclude males during the birth and raising of the single young.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.


Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
Australian AlpsSnowy Mountains Known None
Brigalow Belt SouthLiverpool Plains Known None
Brigalow Belt SouthLiverpool Range Known None
Brigalow Belt SouthPilliga Predicted None
NandewarKaputar Predicted None
NandewarNandewar Northern Complex Known None
NandewarPeel Known None
New England TablelandsArmidale Plateau Known None
New England TablelandsBinghi Plateau Known None
New England TablelandsBundarra Downs Predicted None
New England TablelandsEastern Nandewars Known None
New England TablelandsEbor Basalts Predicted None
New England TablelandsGlenn Innes-Guyra Basalts Known None
New England TablelandsMoredun Volcanics Known None
New England TablelandsNightcap Known None
New England TablelandsNortheast Forest Lands Known None
New England TablelandsRound Mountain Predicted None
New England TablelandsSevern River Volcanics Known None
New England TablelandsStanthorpe Plateau Known None
New England TablelandsTenterfield Plateau Known None
New England TablelandsWalcha Plateau Known None
New England TablelandsWongwibinda Plateau Predicted None
New England TablelandsYarrowyck-Kentucky Downs Predicted None
NSW North CoastBarrington Known None
NSW North CoastCarrai Plateau Known None
NSW North CoastCataract Known None
NSW North CoastChaelundi Known None
NSW North CoastCoffs Coast and Escarpment Known None
NSW North CoastComboyne Plateau Known None
NSW North CoastDalmorton Known None
NSW North CoastEllerston Predicted None
NSW North CoastGuy Fawkes Predicted None
NSW North CoastKaruah Manning Known None
NSW North CoastMacleay Gorges Known None
NSW North CoastMacleay Hastings Known None
NSW North CoastMummel Escarpment Known None
NSW North CoastRocky River Gorge Known None
NSW North CoastTomalla Known None
NSW North CoastUpper Hunter Known None
NSW North CoastUpper Manning Known None
NSW North CoastWashpool Known None
NSW North CoastYuraygir Known None
NSW South Western SlopesCapertee Valley Known None
OceanHawkesbury Shelf Known None
Other StateJervis Bay Territory Predicted None
Other StateQLD Known None
South East CornerBateman Known None
South East CornerEast Gippsland Lowlands Known None
South East CornerSouth East Coastal Ranges Known None
South Eastern HighlandsBathurst Known None
South Eastern HighlandsBondo Known None
South Eastern HighlandsBungonia Known None
South Eastern HighlandsCapertee Uplands Known None
South Eastern HighlandsCrookwell Known None
South Eastern HighlandsHill End Known None
South Eastern HighlandsKanangra Known None
South Eastern HighlandsKybeyan-Gourock Known None
South Eastern HighlandsMurrumbateman Known None
South Eastern HighlandsOberon Known None
South Eastern QueenslandBurringbar-Conondale Ranges Known None
South Eastern QueenslandClarence Lowlands Known None
South Eastern QueenslandClarence Sandstones Known None
South Eastern QueenslandScenic Rim Known None
South Eastern QueenslandSunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands Predicted None
South Eastern QueenslandWoodenbong Known None
Sydney BasinBurragorang Known None
Sydney BasinCumberland Known None
Sydney BasinEttrema Known None
Sydney BasinHunter Known None
Sydney BasinIllawarra Known None
Sydney BasinJervis Known None
Sydney BasinKerrabee Known None
Sydney BasinMoss Vale Known None
Sydney BasinPittwater Known None
Sydney BasinSydney Cataract Known None
Sydney BasinWollemi Known None
Sydney BasinWyong Known None
Sydney BasinYengo Known None