Golden-tipped Bat
Phoniscus papuensis
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Not Listed
Listed since: 0/01/1900
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 10/12/2020
Population trend: Unknown
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
Until 1981 it was thought that Golden-tipped Bats were extinct in Australia and only living in Papua New Guinea. However they have since been widely found in eastern Australia but are uncommon. Golden-tipped Bats roost in abandoned hanging birds nests in rainforest, and in tree hollows in rainforest and feed almost entirely on orb-weaving spiders. They can hover and fly slowly, which helps them to get through the thick vegetation where they hunt for prey.
Threats
Golden-tipped Bats are vulnerable to loss of feeding habitat by forestry operations, and clearing and land degradation from agriculture. Much of its preferred rainforest habitat has already been destroyed.
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database