Fauna Spotters logo

Eastern False Pipistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis)

The Eastern False Pipistrelle is a relatively large insectivorous microbat of south-eastern Australia. It is associated with moist forests, mature eucalypts and hollow-bearing trees, so clearing, tree removal and disturbance around potential roosts require particular care on development sites.

Conservation status

New South Wales, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Vulnerable.

South Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: Endangered.

Breeding season

The annual pattern below combines the documented breeding, birth and winter behaviour of the species. Timing varies across the broad south-eastern range, especially between Queensland, mainland southern states and Tasmania.

Months are indicative across the full range. Local conditions and latitude can shift breeding and hibernation timing.

  • Breeding: Females are pregnant in late spring to early summer. Most young are born in December.
  • Young: Most births are reported in December. The supplied documents do not state the duration of dependence or the timing of weaning.
  • Movement between roosts: Individuals use several roost sites, commonly within 300 to 400 m of one another, and may occasionally move more than 3.5 km between consecutive roosts.
  • Winter torpor or hibernation: Southern populations hibernate over winter. The supplied sources do not specify the exact start and end dates across the range.
  • Highest clearing risk: Highest risk is during winter in southern populations because of hibernation, and from late spring through early summer because of pregnancy, maternity colonies and December births. Confirm local timing before clearing.

Identification

This is a relatively large vespertilionid bat with dark reddish-brown upperparts and paler grey-brown underparts. Identification in the field should be supported by bat detector analysis or an experienced handler, because several forest bats use similar habitats.

The fur is uniformly dark reddish brown on the back and paler grey brown on the belly. The ears are long and narrow towards the tip. The head and body are about 60 mm long, and the forearm is about 50 mm long.

The species has two pairs of upper incisors, with the second incisor in each pair extremely small. This dental feature is not normally useful for rapid field identification but can assist with a handled animal examined by a suitably qualified person.

Upperparts: Uniform dark reddish brown.

Underparts: Paler grey brown.

Ears: Long and narrow towards the tip.

Head and body: Approximately 60 mm.

Forearm: Approximately 50 mm.

Identification: Distinguishing features

The species is listed separately from the Western False Pipistrelle in the national threatened bat survey guidelines. The supplied documents do not provide a diagnostic comparison of calls, measurements or external characters for separating these species.

Do not rely on habitat alone. Confirm records with an appropriately experienced microbat ecologist, suitable reference calls and, where handling is authorised, measurements and examination of the animal.

  • Record the roost tree, hollow entrance, height, surrounding vegetation and time of observation.
  • Use species-specific acoustic analysis rather than assigning the record from a generic pipistrelle call.
  • Treat a bat emerging from a mature eucalypt hollow in moist forest as a potential Eastern False Pipistrelle until identification is resolved.

Identification: Field signs and sex differences

The species may occur in sexually segregated colonies of up to 80 individuals for part of the year. Female maternity colonies are thought to be separate from roosts used by the rest of the population.

No species-specific tracks, scats, nests, calls or eyeshine characters are described in the supplied documents. In practice, roost emergence, harp trapping where permitted, and acoustic detection are more useful than ground signs for this tree-roosting bat.

Recorded colony size: Up to 80 individuals in sexually segregated colonies.

Sex-related roosting: Female maternity colonies are thought to be separate from other roosts.

  • Inspect hollow-bearing trees for repeated emergence or return activity, but do not block or enter hollows.
  • If a tree is to be removed, arrange a qualified pre-clearance inspection and an approved exclusion or staged removal procedure.
  • Record whether bats are present in a male or female aggregation where this can be determined safely.

Distribution

The Eastern False Pipistrelle occurs in south-eastern Australia. The supplied sources describe a broad coastal and ranges distribution, extending from southern Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to Tasmania, with records or range extending into eastern South Australia.

The documented range extends from southern Queensland to Victoria and Tasmania. The Museum Victoria account also describes the species as occurring along the coast from southern Queensland through to eastern South Australia and throughout Tasmania.

Within this range it is associated with coastal and inland ranges, moist forest and wet sclerophyll forest. The supplied documents do not identify named bioregions, confirmed strongholds or separate genetic subpopulations.

  • Queensland: southern Queensland, particularly the south-eastern portion of the state.
  • New South Wales: the south-east coast, ranges and moist forest regions, including the north-east forest regions assessed in the supplied sources.
  • Victoria: south-eastern Victoria and other suitable forested areas within the described range.
  • South Australia: eastern South Australia is included in the documented distribution, and the species is listed as Endangered in the project information.
  • Tasmania: throughout Tasmania.

Distribution: Records and population information

The supplied documents do not provide a national population estimate, a population trend, a confirmed national stronghold or mapped subpopulations.

For project assessment, presence should be considered at the scale of connected moist forest, mature hollow-bearing trees and the species' use of multiple roosts. A single detection can represent use of a wider local area rather than residence in one tree.

National population: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Population trend: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Named strongholds or subpopulations: Not stated in the supplied documents.

  • Search state databases and local survey records before clearing because the species is state listed in New South Wales and South Australia.
  • Map all suitable mature eucalypts and forest connections within the project area and adjacent retained vegetation.
  • Treat acoustic records and roost observations as requiring ecological interpretation rather than using the number of detected calls as a population count.

Habitat

The Eastern False Pipistrelle is principally associated with moist forest environments and mature eucalypts. Habitat value depends on both tall forest structure and the availability of hollows and other sheltered roost sites.

The species uses wet sclerophyll forest, moist eucalypt forest and woodland. It is associated with eucalypt-dominated moist forests, including the Dunn's white gum moist forest community described for north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland.

The species has been recorded from sea level to alpine areas, although it shows a clear preference for wet forested habitats. One source describes a preference for trees taller than 20 m.

Main habitat: Wet sclerophyll forest, moist eucalypt forest and woodland.

Preferred tree height: Trees taller than 20 m are preferred.

Recorded elevation: From sea level to alpine areas.

  • Retain connected moist and wet sclerophyll forest wherever practicable.
  • Prioritise mature eucalypts, especially trees with hollows, loose bark or large trunks.
  • Maintain links between retained forest patches because individuals use several roosts and forage across areas that can exceed 300 ha.

Habitat: Structural features

Large, mature eucalypts provide potential roosting habitat. The species has also been recorded under loose bark and in buildings, so disturbed sites can retain temporary shelter even where core roosting habitat is absent.

The species is listed among bats associated with large eucalypts in the canopy of moist forest communities. Wet forest, productive forest and structurally intact forest are therefore more relevant than an isolated canopy tree alone.

  • Map hollow-bearing trees before access tracks, compounds, utility corridors or other clearing begin.
  • Retain tree groups and forest edges that connect potential roost trees with productive foraging forest.
  • Protect moist gullies and other wetter forest areas from avoidable drying, compaction and drainage changes.

Foraging habitat

The Eastern False Pipistrelle is an aerial insectivore that hunts high in or just below the forest canopy. It is most closely associated with productive moist forest, although it can travel between roosts and foraging areas over substantial distances.

The diet includes beetles, moths, weevils and other flying insects. The species hunts high within the forest or above and just below the tree canopy.

The supplied sources do not identify particular food plants. Retain flowering and structurally diverse forest because these habitats support the insect prey base used by the species.

Recorded prey: Beetles, moths, weevils and other flying insects.

Foraging height: High within the forest, above or just below the tree canopy.

  • Avoid broad-scale removal of mature canopy and mid-storey vegetation in moist forest.
  • Limit night lighting around retained forest, known roost trees and movement routes because the species is nocturnal and forages in the canopy.
  • Avoid unnecessary insecticide use near retained forest and watercourses where it could reduce flying insect prey.

Foraging habitat: Foraging and movement area

Radio tracking found that areas used for foraging and commuting between roosts ranged from less than 10 ha to more than 300 ha. Individuals typically used a number of roosts within 300 to 400 m of each other, although the distance between consecutive roosts was occasionally more than 3.5 km.

These movements mean that a small clearing can affect a wider roost and foraging network, particularly where it removes mature trees or breaks a forest connection.

Roost spacing commonly recorded: Roosts within 300 to 400 m of each other.

Recorded consecutive-roost movement: Occasionally more than 3.5 km.

Recorded foraging and commuting area: Less than 10 ha to more than 300 ha.

  • Assess suitable habitat beyond the construction footprint where the project removes mature trees or interrupts forest connections.
  • Retain roost trees and nearby canopy links within at least the locally documented 300 to 400 m roost-use context where practicable.
  • Consider indirect effects from noise, lighting, dust, altered drainage and loss of insect-producing vegetation.

Breeding habitat

Breeding is linked to sheltered tree roosts, particularly hollows in mature eucalypts. The supplied sources provide broad seasonal information but do not give a complete account of mating, litter size, gestation or age at first breeding.

Females are pregnant in late spring to early summer, and most young are born in December. Female maternity colonies are thought to occur away from roosts used by the rest of the population.

Maternity habitat is therefore likely to include secure eucalypt hollows within moist, productive forest and connected to nearby foraging habitat. The supplied documents do not describe a specific hollow entrance or maternity-roost dimension.

Pregnancy: Late spring to early summer.

Most births: December.

Litter size: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Gestation: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Age at maturity: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Lifespan: A general lifespan is not stated. Estimated reproductive lifespan is 1 to 6 years, with a mean of 2.5 years.

  • Complete hollow inspections and a qualified pre-clearance assessment before removing mature eucalypts.
  • Avoid clearing known or potential maternity trees during late spring and early summer where practicable.
  • Do not seal, fell or modify a suspected maternity hollow without an approved species management procedure.

Breeding habitat: Breeding structure

Colonies can be sexually segregated and may contain up to 80 individuals. Female maternity colonies are thought to be separate from other seasonal roosts.

A project site with one suitable tree can still form part of a breeding network if nearby trees provide alternative roosts and the surrounding forest supplies insect prey.

Colony organisation: Sexually segregated colonies have been recorded.

Colony size: Up to 80 individuals.

  • Survey groups of hollow-bearing trees rather than assessing only the tree scheduled for removal.
  • Record bat activity at potential maternity trees over more than one night when the project risk and survey design require it.
  • Retain alternative hollow-bearing trees near any unavoidable removal and maintain access to surrounding forest.

Sheltering habitat

The main sheltering resource is a hollow in a mature eucalypt. Loose bark and buildings can also provide temporary or seasonal shelter, while southern populations may hibernate during winter.

Eastern False Pipistrelles generally roost in eucalypt hollows. They have also been found under loose bark and in buildings.

A NSW assessment recorded a preference for smooth-barked trees with hollow openings of approximately 80 mm in diameter. Male colonies have been reported to select older living trees with an average trunk diameter at breast height of 1,100 mm.

Typical roost: Eucalypt hollow.

Other recorded shelters: Loose bark and buildings.

Preferred hollow entrance: Approximately 80 mm diameter.

Tree size associated with male roosts: Older living trees with an average trunk diameter at breast height of 1,100 mm.

  • Retain living and dead hollow-bearing eucalypts, including large smooth-barked trees.
  • Inspect trees with loose bark, trunk hollows, dead limbs and building cavities before demolition or tree removal.
  • Do not fill, cap or otherwise alter a hollow that could be occupied unless the action is covered by the approved fauna procedure.

Sheltering habitat: Seasonal shelter

Southern populations hibernate over winter. Winter torpor or hibernation can make bats less visible and less able to escape disturbance, so tree removal and building demolition need a specific risk assessment during colder months.

Roosts can change between nights. Radio tracking found that individuals typically used several roosts within 300 to 400 m, with occasional movements of more than 3.5 km between consecutive roosts.

Winter behaviour: Southern populations hibernate over winter.

Roost use: Several roost sites may be used within 300 to 400 m.

  • Check potential hollows and buildings for torpid bats before winter demolition or tree felling.
  • Retain a connected group of alternative roost trees rather than relying on one retained hollow.
  • Use a suitably qualified bat ecologist to set exclusion timing and methods where occupied or potentially occupied roosts cannot be retained.

Threats: Clearing and fragmentation

The main project risks are loss of hollow-bearing trees, clearing of moist forest, fragmentation of roost and foraging habitat, and disturbance during pregnancy, births or winter hibernation. The supplied NSW assessment identifies clearing of native vegetation and loss of hollow-bearing trees as relevant key threatening processes.

Removal of mature eucalypts can remove current or future roosts. Clearing moist forest also reduces insect-producing habitat and can separate roost trees from foraging areas.

The species' use of several roosts and large foraging areas means that impacts can extend beyond the immediate tree or construction footprint.

Relevant threatening processes identified in the supplied assessment: Clearing of native vegetation and loss of hollow-bearing trees.

  • Avoid removing hollow-bearing trees wherever practicable.
  • Retain connected groups of mature eucalypts and moist forest rather than isolated trees only.
  • Map the project footprint against nearby forest, gullies, tree corridors and known records before finalising clearing limits.
  • Stage unavoidable clearing so that bats can leave safely and are not trapped in hollows or buildings.

Threats: Timing, roads and construction disturbance

Pregnancy occurs in late spring to early summer, most young are born in December, and southern populations hibernate over winter. These periods can increase the risk from tree felling, demolition, exclusion or prolonged disturbance.

The supplied documents do not provide a species-specific road mortality rate. Roads, access tracks, lighting and night works should nevertheless be assessed where they remove forest connections or affect movement between roosts and foraging areas.

  • Avoid high-risk clearing near potential maternity trees from late spring through early summer where practicable.
  • Assess winter works in southern areas for torpid or hibernating bats before disturbing hollows or buildings.
  • Keep temporary lighting away from retained forest edges, hollow-bearing trees and known roost entrances.
  • Use fauna spotter catchers and staged felling where occupied or potentially occupied trees cannot be retained.

Threats: Fire, predators, disease and hydrology

The supplied documents do not provide species-specific evidence for fire, introduced predators or disease impacts. Broad-scale fire, drying of moist forest, altered drainage and loss of hollow-bearing trees can reduce the habitat features described for this species and should be considered in project risk assessments.

No species-specific disease threat or predator control measure is identified in the supplied sources.

  • Avoid changing drainage or water movement through moist forest, gullies and wet ecotones without assessing effects on vegetation and insect prey.
  • Protect retained trees from fire damage, root-zone compaction and changes to soil moisture during construction.
  • Prevent domestic cats and other introduced predators from accessing active work areas and retained forest where practicable.
  • Do not claim a species-specific fire, disease or predator impact unless supported by local records or current expert assessment.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop and habitat assessment

Survey Eastern False Pipistrelles where moist forest, tall eucalypts, mature trees, hollows or loose bark may be affected. The species is nocturnal, insectivorous and difficult to detect without bat-specific methods, so survey design should be prepared by a suitably qualified ecologist using the current Australian threatened bat survey guidance.

Main habitat: Moist and wet sclerophyll forest and woodland, particularly forest with trees taller than 20 metres.

Roost features: Eucalypt hollows, loose bark and, less commonly, buildings.

Known roost spacing: The species may use several roosts within 300 to 400 metres, with consecutive-night roosts occasionally more than 3.5 kilometres apart.

  • Map moist and wet sclerophyll forest, woodland, gullies, mature eucalypts and connected tree cover before selecting survey locations.
  • Inspect trees for hollows, loose bark and other potential roost features, noting that the species generally roosts in eucalypt hollows but may also use loose bark and buildings.
  • Prioritise trees taller than 20 metres and mature smooth-barked trees, as these provide the most relevant potential habitat identified in the project material.
  • Map potential roosts and likely flight paths across the work area and into retained vegetation, including links between roost sites within about 300 to 400 metres of one another.
  • Record nearby buildings, culverts and other structures that could provide temporary roosting shelter.
  • Use the current Australian Government survey guidelines for threatened bats when finalising the survey design and any species-specific reporting requirements.

Survey methodology: 2. Bat detector and evening activity surveys

Foraging period: Nocturnal.

Weather and activity constraint: Do not treat wet, windy or otherwise unsuitable nights as equivalent to suitable survey nights; record the conditions and explain any limitations.

Foraging height: Above or just below the tree canopy.

  • Use calibrated ultrasonic detectors at representative potential roosts, forest edges, gullies, retained vegetation and likely flight paths, with detector locations justified against the mapped habitat.
  • Deploy detectors during the active night period and include the main works area and nearby retained habitat, because the species forages above or just below the tree canopy.
  • Repeat surveys across suitable weather conditions and more than one night where the project may remove mature trees, hollow-bearing trees or connected moist forest; the supplied documents do not prescribe a fixed number of nights or detector hours.
  • Avoid relying on a single automated identification result, because species-level bat calls can overlap and records should be checked by an experienced bat ecologist.
  • Record detector model, microphone position, height, deployment and retrieval times, weather, wind, rain, temperature, habitat, call files and the identification confidence for each record.

Survey methodology: 3. Roost and emergence assessment

Colony size: Sexually segregated colonies may contain up to 80 individuals.

Seasonal timing: The species hibernates in winter, females are pregnant in late spring to early summer, and most young are born in December.

  • Inspect potential hollows, loose bark and buildings for signs of use without entering or disturbing a roost unless the work is authorised and the inspection method is safe.
  • Where a tree or structure may contain a roost, use a qualified bat ecologist to determine whether an evening emergence or return-to-roost survey is required.
  • Time roost investigations around the species' seasonal ecology, including winter hibernation, late spring to early summer pregnancy and young that are generally born in December.
  • Do not seal, fell or remove a potential roost feature solely because no bat was seen during one inspection.
  • Treat a group of trees as potentially connected habitat where suitable hollows occur within 300 to 400 metres of each other.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Do not claim that habitat is unoccupied from a single negative observation or from a survey that did not cover suitable nocturnal conditions.
  • Set the number of detector nights, survey hours, repeat visits and any emergence surveys in a project-specific plan based on the amount of habitat affected, the number of potential roosts and the current threatened bat survey guideline.
  • Document the area searched, survey dates, start and finish times, weather, equipment, detector settings, habitat, tree and hollow information, call analysis, limitations and all records of the species or other threatened bats.
  • Have records and call files checked by a suitably experienced bat ecologist where identification is uncertain.
  • Submit confirmed records to the relevant state wildlife database and provide records required by the project approval, regulator or land manager.
  • Retain negative survey results and survey limitations in the project file, because absence cannot be inferred where habitat or conditions were not adequately sampled.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise habitat loss

Plan around the species' dependence on mature trees, hollows, moist forest and connected roosting and foraging habitat. The main avoidable risks are loss of hollow-bearing trees, removal of moist forest and disturbance to roosts or maternity habitat.

Key threatening processes identified for this species: Clearing of native vegetation and loss of hollow-bearing trees.

Foraging range recorded in project material: Less than 10 hectares to more than 300 hectares.

  • Redesign the disturbance footprint to retain mature eucalypts, hollow-bearing trees, loose-barked trees, moist gullies and continuous tree cover wherever practicable.
  • Retain groups of potential roost trees rather than isolated trees, particularly where suitable trees occur within 300 to 400 metres of one another.
  • Keep retained vegetation connected to nearby forest and woodland so bats can commute between roosts and foraging areas.
  • Avoid removing trees taller than 20 metres where they provide potential roost or foraging habitat.
  • Do not remove buildings, culverts or other structures with possible bat roosts until they have been assessed and any required approval or exclusion method is in place.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and work planning

  • Confirm the current Commonwealth and state conservation status before works begin, noting that the supplied material lists the species as not listed under the EPBC Act and vulnerable in New South Wales.
  • Check whether state fauna licences, wildlife rehabilitation arrangements, tree removal approvals, local planning controls or project conditions apply.
  • Obtain an EPBC referral or approval if a current assessment identifies the species as nationally listed or the action may affect a nationally protected matter.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies potential roosts, retained habitat, survey results, exclusion zones, handling authority, stop-work triggers, release sites, injury response and reporting requirements.
  • Stage clearing so that retained habitat and escape routes remain available while machinery is operating.
  • Where practicable, avoid removal of potential maternity habitat in late spring, early summer and December, and avoid disturbing hibernating bats during winter.

Before habitat disturbance: Pre-clearance controls

  • Complete a pre-clearance inspection of all trees, buildings, structures, logs, rock piles and other features within the disturbance footprint.
  • Mark trees and habitat features to be retained, along with the approved clearing boundary and no-go areas.
  • Install and inspect exclusion fencing where it can protect retained vegetation, gullies, roost trees or other habitat from machinery and pedestrian access.
  • Brief machine operators and supervisors on the species' appearance, likely roost features, handling limits and the requirement to stop work when a bat or active roost is found.
  • Confirm that an authorised fauna spotter catcher, transport container, release site, wildlife carer and veterinary contact are available before clearing starts.

During habitat disturbance: Daily site controls

Use a controlled clearing sequence with the fauna spotter catcher present whenever potential habitat is disturbed. Work must stop when a bat, occupied roost or unexpected habitat feature is found.

  • Inspect exclusion fencing, retained habitat, access routes and the approved clearing boundary at the start of each shift.
  • Keep machinery outside marked exclusion zones and prevent stockpiling, lighting, dust, vibration and vehicle access from affecting retained roost trees and moist gullies.
  • Use the fauna spotter catcher to check each tree or structure immediately before disturbance and to remain within sight of the active clearing area.
  • Clear in stages towards retained habitat where safe, allowing mobile fauna to move away from machinery without directing them into roads, open excavations or active work areas.
  • Avoid night works around potential roost trees unless the fauna management plan specifically addresses lighting, roost disturbance and bat rescue.

During habitat disturbance: Habitat feature handling

  • Do not fell or remove a hollow-bearing tree until it has been inspected and the approved method for occupied or potentially occupied hollows is ready.
  • Use a qualified arborist and fauna spotter catcher for staged or sectioned removal of trees with hollows, loose bark or suspected roosts.
  • Keep removed hollow sections stable and on site where safe if they are approved for habitat reuse, and place them in retained vegetation in a way that does not expose animals to injury.
  • Do not cut, burn or bury logs, loose bark, rock piles or other shelter features until they have been inspected and cleared.
  • Protect moist gullies, drainage lines and retained forest from sediment, excessive lighting, fuel spills and changes to drainage during construction.

During habitat disturbance: If a bat is found

  • Stop work in the immediate area and keep workers, machinery and unauthorised people away from the bat or roost.
  • Allow the authorised fauna spotter catcher to assess the animal and decide whether it can remain undisturbed, be captured, or be released nearby.
  • Do not handle the bat unless authorised, trained and equipped to do so, and do not permit untrained workers to touch it.
  • Use an appropriate clean, secure container and minimise handling, noise, heat, light and holding time if capture is required.
  • Release a healthy bat only at a suitable retained habitat location agreed in the fauna management plan, close to the capture site and away from active machinery.
  • Place an injured, grounded, weak or heat-stressed bat in a secure container and contact a veterinarian or licensed wildlife carer immediately.
  • Treat any bite or scratch as a potential health incident and follow the project's first aid and medical procedures.

During habitat disturbance: Stop-work triggers and records

  • Stop work if a bat is found, a suspected occupied hollow or building roost is exposed, a maternity colony is suspected, or clearing extends beyond the approved boundary.
  • Stop work if the fauna spotter catcher cannot safely inspect the next habitat feature or if machinery cannot maintain the required exclusion zone.
  • Record the date, location, tree or structure, species, number of animals, condition, action taken, release or treatment location, personnel, photographs and call or video evidence where available.
  • Notify the site environmental officer and relevant regulator or approval authority when required by the approval, fauna management plan or state licence.
  • Resume work only after the fauna spotter catcher and environmental officer confirm that the trigger has been resolved and the control measures have been updated.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance inspection and monitoring

Confirm that no animals or roost features were missed, then maintain the retained habitat and controls through construction and operation. Use monitoring to test whether the project has retained usable roosting and foraging habitat.

  • Inspect the cleared area, retained trees, nearby structures, stockpiles and exclusion fencing at the end of each clearing day and again after any unexpected tree or structure collapse.
  • Complete a final fauna spotter catcher inspection before releasing the area to general construction activities.
  • Repeat bat detector monitoring where the project removed potential roost trees, changed lighting or drainage, affected a moist gully, or generated a condition requiring post-construction verification.
  • Compare post-work detections with the pre-work survey design, noting that the species may use several roosts and forage over areas ranging from less than 10 hectares to more than 300 hectares.
  • Investigate any decline in detections alongside changes to hollows, canopy cover, lighting, moisture, connectivity and nearby construction activity.

After habitat disturbance: Maintain controls and report outcomes

  • Keep retained trees, exclusion zones, habitat plantings and access controls protected for the period specified in the approval or fauna management plan.
  • Maintain roost trees and retained moist forest without pruning, lighting or other work that removes hollows, loose bark or canopy cover unless separately assessed.
  • Remove temporary fencing only after the environmental officer confirms that construction no longer threatens the retained habitat.
  • Report confirmed records, rescues, injuries, deaths, unexpected roosts, non-compliances, monitoring results and corrective actions to the relevant approval authority and state wildlife database where required.
  • Review the fauna management plan after each clearing stage and update the next stage if a roost, maternity colony or movement route is found.

After habitat disturbance: Offsets and residual impacts

  • Assess residual loss of moist forest, mature trees, hollows and connected habitat against the applicable Commonwealth, state and local approval framework.
  • Apply any required offset, rehabilitation or conservation measure identified by the approval or biodiversity assessment.
  • Do not use an offset as a substitute for retaining potential roost trees and connected habitat within the project area.

Rehabilitation actions: Restore forest structure and roost habitat

Rehabilitation should restore the features this bat uses for roosting, commuting and feeding: mature eucalypts, moist forest structure, connected canopy and insect-rich habitat. Set measurable outcomes and inspect them through establishment and operation.

Target habitat feature: Moist forest with eucalypts taller than 20 metres and mature trees containing hollows.

Roost spacing to consider: Potential roost trees within 300 to 400 metres may form part of the same roost network.

  • Plant locally appropriate eucalypts and other native species that rebuild a tall, moist forest canopy and understorey suitable for insect production.
  • Prioritise planting in gaps between retained trees and along gullies and forest edges to restore connected cover between potential roost sites.
  • Retain existing mature trees and allow replacement trees to mature rather than relying only on short-term plantings.
  • Install artificial hollows or bat boxes only where a qualified ecologist confirms that they are suitable, legally permitted, maintained and placed in retained habitat; do not treat them as an equivalent replacement for mature hollow-bearing trees.
  • Retain suitable salvaged hollow sections where safe and approved, and secure them in retained forest so they remain available as shelter.

Rehabilitation actions: Protect feeding and commuting habitat

Diet: Beetles, moths, weevils and other flying insects.

Foraging position: Above or just below the tree canopy.

  • Restore moist gullies, drainage lines and forest edges with native vegetation rather than open lawn or dense exotic plantings.
  • Control weeds that suppress native understorey regeneration and reduce the structure of insect-producing habitat.
  • Design permanent lighting so that retained forest, tree hollows, gullies and likely flight paths remain as dark as practicable.
  • Prevent sediment, altered drainage, chemical spills and unnecessary clearing from degrading moist forest and woodland used for feeding.
  • Retain logs, loose bark and other natural shelter features where they do not create a safety or fire hazard.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitoring and success measures

  • Inspect plant survival, canopy development, weed cover, retained hollows, artificial roosts, lighting and connectivity at the intervals specified in the rehabilitation plan.
  • Use repeat ultrasonic detector surveys designed by a qualified bat ecologist to assess whether Eastern False Pipistrelles continue to use restored and retained habitat.
  • Record the number and condition of retained and restored roost features, including any salvaged hollows or approved nest boxes.
  • Treat success as retention or recovery of moist, connected forest; functioning roost features; low weed cover; protection from excessive lighting; and confirmed bat use where monitoring is required.
  • Adapt planting, weed control, lighting, drainage or roost management if monitoring identifies habitat failure or continued disturbance.

Rehabilitation actions: Fire and predator management

  • Prepare fire management with the land manager so that retained hollow-bearing trees, moist gullies and rehabilitation plantings are protected from avoidable fire damage.
  • Do not burn logs, loose bark piles or hollow-bearing trees as part of routine site clean-up without ecological assessment and approval.
  • Manage domestic, feral and introduced predators in accordance with the approved site plan where they threaten rehabilitated habitat or rescued fauna.
  • Review fire, predator and vegetation controls after extreme weather, wildfire or major construction changes.

Sources