Nature conservation

Threatened species

Southern Myotis - 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: Myotis macropus
Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable
Commonwealth status: Not listed
Profile last updated: 07 Aug 2020

Description

This species is now most often referred to as Myotis macropus or the Southern Myotis, but has previously been called the Large-footed Myotis (M. adversus). It has disproportionately large feet; more than 8 mm long, with widely-spaced toes which are distinctly hairy and with long, curved claws. It has dark-grey to reddish brown fur above and is paler below. It weighs up to 15 grams and has a wingspan of about 28 cm.

Distribution

The Southern Myotis is found in the coastal band from the north-west of Australia, across the top-end and south to western Victoria. It is rarely found more than 100 km inland, except along major rivers.

Habitat and ecology

  • Generally roost in groups of 10 - 15 close to water in caves, mine shafts, hollow-bearing trees, storm water channels, buildings, wharves, bridges and in dense foliage.
  • Forage over streams and pools catching insects and small fish by raking their feet across the water surface.
  • In NSW females have one young each year usually in November or December.

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
Murray Darling DepressionSouth Olary Plain Predicted None
NandewarNandewar Northern Complex Known None
New England TablelandsArmidale Plateau Known None
New England TablelandsEbor Basalts Known None
New England TablelandsGlenn Innes-Guyra Basalts Known None
New England TablelandsNightcap Predicted None
New England TablelandsNortheast Forest Lands Known None
New England TablelandsRound Mountain Predicted None
New England TablelandsStanthorpe Plateau Predicted None
New England TablelandsTenterfield Plateau Known
New England TablelandsWalcha Plateau Known None
New England TablelandsWongwibinda Plateau Known None
NSW North CoastBarrington Known None
NSW North CoastCarrai Plateau Predicted
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
NSW North CoastGuy Fawkes Predicted
NSW North CoastKaruah Manning Known None
NSW North CoastMacleay Gorges Predicted
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 Predicted
NSW South Western SlopesInland Slopes Known None
NSW South Western SlopesLower Slopes Known None
OceanHawkesbury Shelf Known None
Other StateACT Known
Other StateJervis Bay Territory Known None
Other StateQLD Known None
Other StateSA Known None
Other StateVIC Known None
RiverinaLachlan Known None
RiverinaMurray Fans Known None
RiverinaMurrumbidgee 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
South Eastern HighlandsCrookwell Known
South Eastern HighlandsHill End Predicted
South Eastern HighlandsKanangra Known None
South Eastern HighlandsKybeyan-Gourock Known None
South Eastern HighlandsMonaro Known None
South Eastern HighlandsMurrumbateman Known None
South Eastern HighlandsOberon Predicted
South Eastern HighlandsOrange 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 Known 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
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