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.