Ghost Bat

Macroderma gigas

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Vulnerable

Listed since: 5/05/2016

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Vulnerable

Listed since: 29/04/2019

Population trend: Decreasing

Other names: None

Priority Species? No

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

The Ghost Bat is the largest microchiropteran (microbat) bat in Australia as well as Australia's only carnivorous bat. They currently occupy habitats ranging from the arid Pilbara to tropical savanna woodlands and rainforests. During the daytime they roost in caves, rock crevices and old mines. Ghost bats disperse widely when not breeding, but concentrate in a relatively few roost sites when breeding.

Threats

The threats to the Ghost Bat is habitat loss and disturbance to roost sites due to mining and modification of to breeding sites and foraging habitat. There is also evidence of these bats being poisoned from feeding on cane toads.