Indicative distribution
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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Vespadelus baverstocki
Profile last updated:
01 Jun 2020
Description
The Inland Forest Bat is one of a number of small (3 to 7 grams) insectivorous bats in the genus Vespadelus. It is generally sandy-brown above, with the underparts being paler (cream to pale brown). Identification is difficult, with overlap in size and fur colouration with some species occurring in the same area, particularly Southern Forest Bat V. regulus and Little Forest Bat V. vulturnus. These species can be separated by cranial measurements, genetic typing, or for males, glans penis morphology. Identification based on echolocation calls is also difficult, as there is considerable overlap in the frequency of the calls, particularly with the Little Forest Bat.
Distribution
Because of the difficulty of identification, the distribution of this species, particularly in NSW, is very poorly known. Believed to occur widely in all the mainland states, generally in areas with annual rainfall less than 400 millimetres. In Victoria it is confined to the extreme north west. In NSW it has been most regularly captured in the far south west, north from the Murray River to Menindee, and at least as far east as the Balranald-Ivanhoe Road. There is some evidence to suggest that this species also occurs in the central NSW mallee, centred on Nombinnie Nature Reserve, although there has been very little recent survey in this part of the state. There are also records just south of the Queensland border around the Culgoa River, though whether this connects with other NSW populations, or is the southern extent of a northern population is unknown. There are records further east in NSW but the identification of these records have not been confirmed. There are relatively few records of any Vespadelus species in the north west of NSW and so whether this species does occur here is unknown. Some of the gaps in knowledge on the distribution of this and other bat species in western NSW probably reflects the lack of survey effort in most of this region.
Habitat and ecology
- Roosts in tree hollows and abandoned buildings. Known to roost in very small hollows in stunted trees only a few metres high.
- The habitat requirements of this species are poorly known but it has been recorded from a variety of woodland formations, including Mallee, Mulga and River Red Gum. Most records are from drier woodland habitats with riparian areas inhabited by the Little Forest Bat. However, other habitats may be used for foraging and/or drinking.
- Colony size ranges from a few individuals to more than sixty. Females congregate to raise young in November and December, with young carried for the first week following birth. Young are independent by January.
- These bats fly rapidly and cover an extensive foraging area and are presumed to feed on flying insects.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Clearing of vegetation including the removal of old hollow trees.
- Predation by feral cats at roost sites.
- Degradation of habitat through grazing and the consequent reduction in arthropod prey diversity and abundance.
- Altered fire regimes including too frequent burning of habitat that removes hollows that provide shelter.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Control of vertebrate pest populations, e.g. goats, foxes, cats and rabbits.
- Apply appropriate fire regimes which ensure natural succession and allow a mosaic of unburned areas to persist.
- Where possible retain hollows (including protection of existing mature trees).
- Undertake survey to determine the distribution, habitat preferences and details of echolocation calls to fill gaps in existing knowledge.
Information sources
- Churchill, S. (2008) Australian Bats. Second Edition. (Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest)
- Lumsden, L.F. and Bennett, A.F. (1995) Bats of a Semi-arid Environment in South-eastern Australia: Biogeography, Ecology and Conservation. Wildlife Research 22:217-40.
- Lumsden, L.F. and Bennett, A.F. (1995) Inland Forest Bat Vespadelus baverstocki (Kitchener, Jones and Caputi, 1987). Pp. 195-6 in Menkhorst, P.W. (ed.) Mammals of Victoria. Distribution, Ecology and Conservation. Oxford University Press Australia, Melbourne.
- Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2010) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. (Oxford University Press, South Melbourne)
- Pennay, M., Law, B. and Reinhold, L. (2004) Bat calls of New South Wales: Region based guide to the echolocation calls of Microchiropteran bats. (NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville)
- Reardon, T.B., Kutt, A.S., Richards, G.C. and Hoye, G. (2008) Inland Forest Bat Vespadelus baverstocki (Kitchener, Jones and Caputi, 1987). Pp. 560-1 in Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R (eds.) The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Reed New Holland, Chatswood.
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