Bristle-faced Free-tailed 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: Setirostris eleryi

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 14 Mar 2019

Description

A small insectivorous bat. These bats are a light sandy colour on the back and slightly paler below, and individuals attain a weight up to 6 grams. The Hairy-nosed Freetail Bat differs from other species of Mormopterus by its light build and long thin muzzle and, although it is yet to be formally described, it is genetically distinct. Other distinguishing features of the species are stout bristles on the nose and a distinctive large fleshy projection on the genitals of both males and females.

Distribution

Distributed from the southern half of the Northern Territory to central Queensland and north-western NSW. In NSW, the species has been recently recorded from only three disjunct locations: thirteen individuals from Gundabooka National Park, south of Bourke; one individual from Dhinnia Dthinawan Nature Reserve (formerly Bebo State Forest), north of Warialda two individuals near Bonshaw.

Habitat and ecology

Knowledge of the ecology of the Hairy-nosed Freetail Bat is limited, however evidence suggests that the species depends on hollows and tree fissures for roosting sites. All other Australian species from the same family generally roost in tree hollows and fissures.
Appears to be extremely rare throughout its range. Nationally, it has been recorded from only 15 locations.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing and removal of hollow bearing trees as a consequence of firewood collection and agricultural and forestry practices.
The threat to the Hairy-nosed Freetail Bat from loss of habitat is exacerbated by its apparent low population numbers.
Lack of understanding about the species' ecology, distribution and habitat preferences.
Direct mortality of individuals and modifcation of habitat from fires
Pesticides and herbicides may reduce the availability of insects, or result in the accumulation of toxic residues in individuals' fat stores.
Loss and degradation of foraging and roosting habitat, including changes in vegetation structure due to weed invasion.
Degradation of habitat by feral browsers (goats, pigs, rabbits).

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

Protect hollow bearing live and dead trees within the species' range.
Discourage pesticide drift near species' habitat.
Develop burning strategies that reduce impacts on preferred habitat in known foraging areas.
Report any sightings of the species to the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Information sources

NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Hairy-nosed Freetail Bat - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Brigalow Belt South	Northern Basalts	Known	None
Brigalow Belt South	Northern Outwash	Predicted
Cobar Peneplain	Barnato Downs	Known	None
Cobar Peneplain	Boorindal Plains	Predicted	None
Cobar Peneplain	Canbelego Downs	Known	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Castlereagh-Barwon	Predicted
Murray Darling Depression	Darling Depression	Predicted	None
Nandewar	Nandewar Northern Complex	Known	None

Images

Hairy-nosed Freetail Bat, details of bristle nose Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

Related information

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Nature conservation

Threatened species