Fauna Spotters logo

Holt's Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus holtorum)

Holt's Long-eared Bat is a small Australian vespertilionid known from the south-western corner of Western Australia, especially taller jarrah and marri forests. Species-specific roost and breeding information is limited, but as a microbat it may use roosts in trees, structures and other sheltered features encountered during clearing and construction. It is currently listed as Least Concern, although its restricted range and ongoing habitat pressures require careful site management.

Conservation status

Breeding behaviour, All states and territories: Colonial breeder. Breeds in colonies or shared roosts, so one breeding place can hold a large share of the local population.

Breeding season

Holt's long-eared bat is a poorly known colonial microbat in south-western Western Australia. Use the general microbat pattern of breeding in the warmer months, usually spring to late summer, while allowing for regional and yearly variation.

Breeding mode: Colonial breeder. Females may gather in shared maternity roosts where young are raised.

Breeding timing: Species-specific timing is not recorded. For microbats generally, births usually occur in the warmer months, from spring to late summer.

Litter size and breeding frequency: Not recorded for Holt's long-eared bat. Microbats generally give birth to one pup a year.

Gestation, weaning and maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding places: Species-specific roosts are not recorded. General microbat breeding places may include tree hollows, fissures, loose bark, caves, mines, culverts, bridges and buildings.

Colonies and maternity roosts: Typical colony size and site fidelity are not recorded. Treat a known or suspected roost as potentially reused, because one colony can contain a large share of the local population.

Recognising an active breeding place: Look for pregnant or lactating females, pups, repeated bat emergence, and concentrated bat activity. Use Anabat or similar acoustic detectors, harp traps or mist nets, emergence watches, and inspection of hollow-bearing trees with an endoscope or pole camera. Acoustic records alone do not confirm a maternity roost.

Timing may shift between years and regions, so use local acoustic surveys, emergence watches and roost inspections to confirm activity before clearing or construction.

  • Mating, births and maternity roost use: Use September to February as the general higher-risk breeding period, pending local survey results.
  • Dependent pups at maternity roosts: Dependent young may remain associated with the maternity roost after births, so late spring and summer disturbance can cause harm.
  • Nightly foraging and roost activity: There is no documented seasonal activity pattern for this species, so assume bats may be present outside the maternity period as well.
  • Colony or roost concentration: Colonial roost use is expected to increase during the breeding season, but colony timing and size are not recorded for this species.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing is most likely to harm colonies, maternity roosts or dependent pups from September to February, particularly where hollow-bearing trees or occupied structures are affected.

Identification: Appearance and identification

Holt's Long-eared Bat was recognised as a distinct species in 2021. It was previously grouped with Gould's Long-eared Bat, so reliable identification may require an experienced bat ecologist and, in some cases, genetic or skull examination.

The species is a long-eared bat in the genus Nyctophilus. It closely resembles Gould's Long-eared Bat and may also occur with the Western Long-eared Bat and Lesser Long-eared Bat.

The species differs genetically from Gould's Long-eared Bat. Reported skull differences include a more laterally inflated front part of the braincase and a shorter overall skull. These features are not suitable for confident field identification of a live bat without specialist training.

Scientific name: Nyctophilus holtorum

Family: Vespertilionidae

Description: Distinct species described in 2021

  • Do not rely on common name, ear length or general brown bat appearance alone.
  • Photograph safely, record the roost or capture location, and retain suitable records for an expert review.
  • Avoid handling unless authorised and trained. Use appropriate animal welfare and rabies lyssavirus precautions.

Identification: Calls and similar species

Species-specific call descriptions are not established here. Acoustic identification should be treated as indicative unless supported by an experienced analyst and, where necessary, capture or genetic confirmation.

Potentially similar species include Gould's Long-eared Bat, Western Long-eared Bat and Lesser Long-eared Bat.

  • Use Anabat or a similar detector to document bat activity and commuting routes.
  • Do not assign a species from a single call sequence when similar Nyctophilus species may be present.
  • Combine acoustic records with habitat, roost inspection and trapping where a clearing decision depends on identification.

Identification: Field signs

Bats may leave droppings, urine staining, odour or polished surfaces around a regularly used roost entrance. These signs are not specific to Holt's Long-eared Bat.

Nests are not expected. A maternity roost is more likely to be identified by bats entering or leaving a feature, vocal activity, and the presence of pregnant or lactating females or pups.

  • Check hollow entrances, loose bark, fissures, culverts, bridges and building cavities for droppings and staining.
  • Record fresh guano, scratching, noise, odour, insect remains and repeated bat activity.
  • Treat a suspected roost as occupied until survey results show otherwise.

Distribution: Known Australian range

Holt's Long-eared Bat is endemic to Australia and has a very restricted known range in the south-west of Western Australia. Records are concentrated in the Jarrah Forest and Warren bioregions, with one known specimen from the Australian Wheatbelt.

The species is known only from Western Australia. It occurs in the south-western corner of the state, with records associated mainly with the Jarrah Forest and Warren bioregions.

Twenty-six locality records have been reported, including six from after 1999. The pattern may reflect either a decline in distribution or limited recent collection and survey effort.

State: Western Australia

Region: South-western corner of Western Australia

Bioregions with concentrated recent records: Jarrah Forest and Warren

  • Consider the species during works in native jarrah and marri forest in south-western Western Australia.
  • Give additional attention to retained forest patches, mature trees and connected vegetation corridors.
  • Do not assume that a lack of recent records means the species is absent.

Distribution: Site assessment

A project site may support the species even when it is outside a known locality record. Bat records are affected by survey effort, detector placement, season and the availability of suitable roosts.

Before clearing, review local records and map mature native vegetation, hollow-bearing trees, creek lines, forest edges and structures that could provide roosting habitat.

  • Use local fauna databases and recent ecological surveys during project planning.
  • Record the location of all acoustic stations, trap sites, observed bats and suspected roosts.
  • Escalate uncertain records to a suitably experienced bat ecologist.

Habitat: Vegetation to look for

The species is primarily associated with taller jarrah and marri forests with a dense shrubby understory. On a works site, retain and inspect mature forest elements rather than assessing habitat only by the amount of ground cover present.

The strongest described habitat association is with taller jarrah, Eucalyptus marginata, and marri, Corymbia calophylla, forests. A dense shrubby understory is also characteristic of the described habitat.

Look for older trees, uneven-aged forest, fallen timber and linked patches of native vegetation. These features can support roosting, movement and insect prey for microbats, even where the species itself has not been confirmed.

  • Tall jarrah forest.
  • Tall marri forest.
  • Dense shrubby understory.
  • Retained native vegetation connected to larger forest patches.

Habitat: Features to map before clearing

Map hollow-bearing trees, dead standing trees, trees with loose bark, tree fissures and potential flight paths before machinery enters the site.

Also inspect bridges, culverts, buildings, rock fissures and other structures where bats may shelter.

  • Mature and hollow-bearing trees.
  • Loose bark and deep trunk fissures.
  • Creek lines, forest edges and vegetation corridors.
  • Culverts, bridges, sheds and other artificial structures.

Foraging habitat: Likely foraging areas

Species-specific diet and foraging preferences are poorly documented. As a practical precaution, treat intact forest, shrubby understory and connected vegetation as potential foraging habitat for this insect-eating microbat.

Microbats commonly forage along vegetation edges, through gaps in the canopy, above understory vegetation and along linear features such as creek lines. Retained jarrah and marri forest may provide flying insects and sheltered flight space.

Avoid assuming that open ground is unused. Bats may cross cleared areas between roosts and feeding habitat.

  • Forest edges and canopy gaps.
  • Dense understory and sheltered internal forest.
  • Creek lines and other connected vegetation.
  • Routes between roost trees and larger forest patches.

Foraging habitat: Survey and construction considerations

Use Anabat or a similar detector to identify bat activity and commuting routes. A single survey night should not be treated as proof that a site is unused, particularly where weather, season or construction noise may affect activity.

Keep lighting, dust, noise and night works away from suspected roost entrances and movement corridors where practicable.

  • Place detectors near mature trees, edges, creek lines and structures.
  • Record weather, detector locations, survey duration and equipment settings.
  • Plan night lighting so that retained vegetation and roost entrances remain as dark as practicable.

Breeding habitat: Maternity habitat

Species-specific breeding habitat, litter size and breeding timing are not well established. For site management, apply general microbat precautions and assume that a roost where young are raised is a breeding place.

Microbat maternity roosts may occur in tree hollows, fissures, loose bark, caves, mines, culverts, bridges and buildings. Holt's Long-eared Bat may use some of these features, but species-specific preferences remain uncertain.

In Queensland transport guidance, microbats are treated as colonial breeders during the breeding season. Most microbats give birth to one pup a year in the warmer months, usually from spring to late summer.

Breeding season guidance for microbats: Usually spring to late summer

Typical annual reproduction: Most microbats give birth to one pup a year

Species-specific timing for Holt's Long-eared Bat: Poorly known

  • Treat any occupied roost containing dependent young as a maternity roost.
  • Include nearby alternative roosts and flight paths in the site assessment.
  • Avoid disturbing a suspected maternity roost until a bat ecologist has assessed it.

Breeding habitat: Confirming a maternity roost

A maternity roost is best confirmed by observing pregnant or lactating females, pups or repeated use of the site by a breeding colony. Emergence watches can show the number and timing of bats leaving, but they do not always confirm breeding on their own.

Use a combination of direct inspection, acoustic monitoring and, where appropriate, harp traps or mist nets. Trapping must be undertaken by trained personnel under the required approvals.

  • Conduct emergence watches at suitable roost entrances.
  • Inspect accessible hollows with an endoscope or pole camera, without entering or damaging the roost.
  • Use Anabat or similar detectors to document activity before, during and after works.
  • Seek specialist advice before trapping at a suspected maternity roost.

Breeding habitat: Works controls

Where a hollow-bearing tree must be removed, use two-stage or soft felling under an approved fauna management procedure. This gives roosting animals an opportunity to leave and reduces the risk of crushing or sudden injury.

Exclusion devices should be installed only after a roost assessment and outside the maternity season. A bat box may supplement habitat retention, but it does not replace a natural hollow or confirm that a colony has been safely relocated.

  • Retain suitable hollow-bearing trees wherever practicable.
  • Use staged felling and a spotter catcher when removal cannot be avoided.
  • Do not seal or exclude bats from a suspected maternity roost while young may be dependent.
  • Monitor any exclusion device and replacement roost after installation.

Sheltering habitat: Natural roost features

The species-specific roosting habits of Holt's Long-eared Bat are poorly known. Inspect both natural and built features because microbats can shelter in small cavities that are easy to miss during a standard vegetation assessment.

Potential natural roosts include tree hollows, trunk fissures and loose bark. Mature jarrah and marri trees, dead standing trees and trees with broken limbs deserve close inspection before clearing.

Rock fissures, caves and abandoned mines may also provide shelter where they occur. Do not enter caves or mines without the necessary safety controls and specialist advice.

  • Hollow-bearing live trees.
  • Dead standing trees with cavities.
  • Loose bark and deep fissures.
  • Caves, mines and rock crevices.

Sheltering habitat: Artificial roost features

Microbats may use culverts, bridges, buildings, roof spaces and other structures. Inspect expansion joints, box girders, cavities, gaps behind cladding and sheltered ledges where safe access is available.

A structure can be a day roost, night roost or maternity roost. The function of the roost should be established before repairs, demolition or sealing.

  • Culverts and drainage structures.
  • Bridges and bridge joints.
  • Sheds, roof spaces and wall cavities.
  • Gaps behind cladding and other sheltered building features.

Sheltering habitat: Inspection and retention

Use an endoscope or pole camera for suitable hollows and cavities. Avoid inserting equipment where it could injure bats or damage the roost.

If bats are present, pause the work and obtain advice from the fauna ecologist or spotter catcher. Retain the feature where practicable, or prepare a documented exclusion and replacement-roost plan.

  • Inspect before clearing, demolition or tree lopping.
  • Record roost location, feature type, evidence of use and photographs where safe.
  • Use bat boxes only as a supplementary measure, with placement and monitoring directed by a bat ecologist.

Colonies and breeding places: What a colony or maternity roost may look like

Holt's Long-eared Bat is treated here as a colonial breeder for works planning because microbats form colonies during the breeding season. Species-specific colony sizes and site fidelity are poorly documented, so any shared roost that may contain young should receive a high level of care.

A colony may occupy a hollow tree, fissure, loose bark, cave, mine, culvert, bridge or building cavity. The roost may be hidden from view, with only a narrow entrance and signs such as guano, staining, odour or repeated bat activity.

A maternity roost is a place where young are raised. It may contain pregnant or lactating females and pups, and may show concentrated emergence activity around dusk.

Typical colony size: Not established for Holt's Long-eared Bat

Site fidelity: Species-specific fidelity is poorly known; treat repeated use of a roost as possible fidelity

Breeding place: Any roost where young are raised

  • Repeated emergence from the same feature.
  • Several bats using one entrance or nearby features.
  • Pregnant or lactating females, or pups.
  • Fresh droppings, urine staining, odour or audible activity.

Colonies and breeding places: Recognising an active breeding place

Use emergence watches over suitable weather and survey conditions, supported by acoustic monitoring. Direct evidence of pups or lactating females is stronger than a large emergence count alone.

Do not block an entrance, fell a roost tree or remove a structure while activity is being assessed. A quiet entrance during one inspection does not prove that the roost is unused.

  • Observe the roost from a safe distance before and during emergence.
  • Use acoustic equipment to record activity and timing.
  • Inspect cavities with an endoscope or pole camera only where this can be done safely and without disturbance.
  • Use harp traps or mist nets only under the direction of an appropriately qualified bat ecologist.

Colonies and breeding places: Why colonies need special care

One breeding place can hold a substantial share of the local population. Disturbance, exclusion or tree removal during the maternity period can injure adults, separate mothers from pups and cause the loss of a locally important roost.

In Queensland, tampering with the breeding place of a Least Concern colonial breeder requires a high risk species management program under the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020. The applicable Queensland program is different from the low risk program used for other Least Concern animals. Confirm current approval requirements before works.

Queensland regulatory category: Microbats are treated as colonial breeders during the breeding season

Queensland management requirement: A high risk species management program is required for tampering with the breeding place of a Least Concern colonial breeder

  • Plan surveys and removal outside the maternity season where practicable.
  • Use soft felling or two-stage felling for unavoidable hollow-bearing tree removal.
  • Use exclusion devices only outside the maternity season and after specialist assessment.
  • Retain natural roosts and provide bat boxes only as supplementary habitat.

Colonies and breeding places: Colony protection on site

Set out a clear no-go area around a suspected roost and keep machinery, lighting and unnecessary personnel away. The appropriate buffer depends on the roost, species, activity and works method, so it should be set by the project ecologist rather than applied as an invented standard distance.

Brief the clearing crew before work starts. The fauna spotter catcher should have authority to stop work if bats, pups or a previously unknown roost are found.

  • Mark retained roost trees and structures on plans and on the ground.
  • Use a staged work sequence and daily pre-start checks.
  • Stop work if bats are injured, trapped, grounded or found with dependent young.
  • Record all actions, observations and post-work monitoring results.

Threats: Clearing and habitat conversion

The main concerns for Holt's Long-eared Bat are habitat loss, habitat conversion, fire and drying conditions. Development can add direct risks when it removes hollow-bearing trees or disturbs shared roosts.

The species has a highly restricted range, and heavy habitat destruction and conversion have likely contributed to range contraction. Clearing taller jarrah and marri forest can remove roost trees, flight routes, understory and insect-producing habitat at the same time.

Retain native vegetation and mature trees wherever practicable. Avoid breaking connected forest into small isolated patches.

  • Minimise the clearing footprint.
  • Retain hollow-bearing and mature trees.
  • Protect dense understory and vegetation links.
  • Stage clearing so retained habitat remains connected.

Threats: Tree and structure removal

Removing a hollow-bearing tree, bridge, culvert or building cavity can kill bats or destroy a maternity roost. Roost use may not be obvious from a ground-level inspection.

Survey before removal, use a qualified spotter catcher, and apply two-stage or soft felling where tree removal cannot be avoided.

  • Inspect trees and structures before lopping, demolition or excavation.
  • Use an endoscope or pole camera in suitable cavities.
  • Do not seal an occupied roost without an approved exclusion plan.
  • Keep replacement roost measures supplementary to habitat retention.

Threats: Fire and climate pressures

The described habitat has been affected by increasing fire frequency and intensity, as well as a drying trend associated with climate change. Severe fire can remove hollow-bearing trees, simplify understory and reduce shelter across a broad area.

Protect unburnt habitat and mature trees during fire planning and post-fire works. Avoid unnecessary removal of fire-affected trees until their habitat value and safety risk have been assessed.

  • Retain surviving mature trees and hollow features where safe.
  • Protect unburnt forest patches and connected vegetation.
  • Include post-fire roost inspections in recovery works.
  • Consider longer-term drying and fire risk in habitat retention planning.

Threats: Disturbance during works

Noise, vibration, lighting, dust and night activity can disturb roosting and foraging bats. The risk is greatest when works occur at a shared or maternity roost.

Schedule disruptive works outside the maternity period where practicable, keep roost entrances dark and unobstructed, and use monitoring to confirm that controls are working.

  • Limit night lighting near roosts and movement corridors.
  • Avoid high-vibration activities beside suspected roosts.
  • Maintain clear escape routes from retained trees and structures.
  • Stop and reassess if bats show repeated disturbance or are found grounded.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Holt's long-eared bat is poorly known in the field, and its breeding and roosting sites have not been well documented. Use several complementary methods, especially where mature jarrah or marri forest, hollow-bearing trees, loose bark, fissures or built structures will be disturbed.

Map records, mature jarrah and marri forest, hollow-bearing trees, large dead trees, caves, mines, culverts, bridges and buildings before entering the site.

Check whether the proposal could affect a known roost, a potential breeding place or habitat used by other listed fauna. Confirm the approval pathway for the relevant state or territory.

Do not assume that a lack of previous records means bats are absent. The species has a highly restricted range in south-western Western Australia, and local records are limited.

  • Review recent fauna records and aerial imagery.
  • Map vegetation clearing, tree removal, blasting, night lighting and changes to bridges, culverts or buildings.
  • Identify habitat that will remain connected after works.

Survey methodology: 2. Acoustic and activity surveys

Use Anabat or a similar full spectrum or ultrasonic detector at likely flight paths, tree lines, water points, forest edges and around potential roosts.

Survey from before sunset through the main evening activity period. Where roost emergence or return is relevant, also survey before sunrise.

Use suitable weather. Avoid or qualify results from heavy rain, strong wind, very cold conditions or other weather that suppresses bat activity. Repeat surveys across suitable nights and, where a breeding place may be affected, across the warmer breeding period, generally spring to late summer for microbats.

Have a suitably experienced ecologist review call sequences. Long-eared bats can be difficult to separate acoustically from related species, so acoustic records should be treated as detections of a long-eared bat unless identification is reliable.

  • Record detector model, settings, calibration, location, height, start and finish times, weather, moon conditions, habitat and survey effort.
  • Retain original recordings and identify the confidence level for each species call.
  • Record passes, feeding buzzes, repeated activity and movements between roost habitat and foraging habitat.

Survey methodology: 3. Roost and breeding place surveys

Watch potential roosts at emergence and return. Inspect suitable tree hollows, fissures, loose bark, caves, mines, culverts, bridges and buildings where safe and authorised.

Use an endoscope or pole camera to inspect hollows before a tree is removed. Do not place hands into a hollow. A qualified person should assess whether the cavity is occupied and whether it could contain dependent young.

A maternity roost is confirmed by pregnant or lactating females, pups or repeated evidence that young are being raised. Any roost where young are raised is a breeding place for microbats.

Harp traps or mist nets may assist with identification and assessment, but only when used by appropriately trained and authorised personnel under the relevant permit. Keep handling to the minimum needed.

  • Record roost type, tree species, tree condition, hollow entrance, height, aspect, signs of use and nearby cover.
  • Record emergence numbers where they can be counted reliably. Colony size for Holt's long-eared bat is not well established, so do not infer a safe impact threshold from a small count.
  • Record evidence of pups, lactating females, repeated occupation and use by other bat species.

Survey methodology: 4. Survey interpretation and reporting

Treat repeated calls, bats entering or leaving a structure, fresh guano, staining, odour, noise and direct observations as evidence requiring management review.

A single negative survey does not clear a potential breeding place. Bats may change roosts, remain quiet during the day or use several roosts in a local area.

Prepare a site map and impact assessment that separates confirmed roosts, potential roosts, breeding places, foraging habitat and retained habitat.

  • State the methods, dates, effort, weather and limitations.
  • Attach call files, photographs, maps and inspection records.
  • Give clear recommendations for avoidance, exclusion, staged removal, salvage and monitoring.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals, permits and responsibilities

Plan the work around the habitat and the legal status of the site, not only around the tree or structure being removed. Colonies need special care because one maternity roost can contain a substantial part of the local breeding population, and disturbance can separate mothers from pups or cause abandonment.

Confirm the state or territory approvals before clearing or construction starts. In Western Australia, check the permits and fauna requirements that apply to the land, vegetation and proposed activity.

Consider an EPBC Act referral where the action may have a significant impact on a protected matter. Obtain any required state fauna, clearing, relocation, capture or handling approvals.

In Queensland, tampering with the breeding place of a least concern colonial breeder requires the high risk species management program pathway under the Nature Conservation legislation, rather than the low risk pathway used for other least concern animals. Confirm the current requirements with the Queensland department before work.

Ensure the fauna spotter catcher and any person trapping, handling, excluding or relocating bats hold the required authority.

  • Nominate the person who can stop work.
  • Keep permits, approvals, management plans and emergency contacts at the work front.
  • Brief subcontractors on the conditions that apply to the site.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and seasonal planning

Retain confirmed and potential roost trees, hollow-bearing trees, dead trees with usable cavities, and structures that provide shelter wherever practicable.

Microbats generally give birth to one pup a year in the warmer months, usually spring to late summer. Avoid disturbance to a suspected maternity roost during this period unless the approved plan provides for it and a suitably qualified ecologist confirms that the action is safe.

There is no well-established migration schedule for Holt's long-eared bat. Do not assume that a roost is vacant because bats are not seen on one visit.

Set a site-specific buffer around a confirmed or potential roost. The ecologist should define the buffer according to the structure, activity, noise, vibration, lighting and risk of collapse.

  • Schedule tree removal and structure works outside the local maternity period where practicable.
  • Retain dark flight paths and vegetation links between roosts and feeding areas.
  • Avoid night lighting near roost entrances and likely flight paths.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Colony and maternity roost checks

A colony may occupy a hollow, fissure, loose bark, cave, mine, culvert, bridge or building. The group may be hidden during the day and may use more than one roost.

Colony size and site fidelity for Holt's long-eared bat are not well documented. Treat a repeatedly used roost as significant, even when the number of bats observed is small.

An active breeding place may show emergence of several bats, repeated use, pregnant or lactating females, pups, juvenile calls, guano, staining or bats roosting together. Confirm the evidence with an experienced bat ecologist.

Do not remove a maternity roost, seal an occupied cavity or fell a roost tree until the approved management response is in place.

  • Inspect at the right time of day and use an emergence watch where appropriate.
  • Use an endoscope or pole camera only when it can be done without injuring bats or damaging the cavity.
  • Map the roost and mark the no-go area clearly for the crew.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Exclusion and tree removal planning

Use exclusion devices only where the ecologist has confirmed that dependent young will not be trapped inside. Install them outside the maternity season and check that bats can leave but cannot return.

Do not exclude bats from a structure if pups may be inside, if the structure is a confirmed maternity roost, or if the exclusion could force bats into unsafe areas.

For hollow-bearing trees, use a two-stage or soft felling method where suitable. First remove non-hollow branches or the crown under supervision, then pause for inspection and allow any bats to leave before the hollow section is lowered carefully.

Provide suitable replacement roost structures only as a supplementary measure. They do not make the loss of an occupied breeding place acceptable.

  • Prepare a written felling sequence and stop-work triggers.
  • Check cavities immediately before each stage of removal.
  • Keep machinery, vehicles and personnel outside the marked exclusion area until the fauna spotter catcher releases it.

Before habitat disturbance: 5. Induction and pre-clearance release

Give every worker a short site induction before clearing. Show photographs of bats, roost signs, no-go areas, the stop-work signal and the reporting chain.

Complete the pre-clearance survey close enough to the work to identify changed conditions, new roost use or animals that have moved into the work area.

Release each work area only after the fauna spotter catcher and the responsible ecologist confirm that the controls are in place.

  • Place signs at access points and around retained roosts.
  • Check that exclusion devices, fencing and lighting controls are intact.
  • Record the release time, area, personnel, findings and conditions.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use slow, supervised clearing. The fauna spotter catcher must have authority to stop work immediately when a bat, active roost or unexpected breeding place is found.

Clear in small, defined stages towards retained habitat, while keeping escape routes open. Avoid surrounding a roost or forcing animals into active machinery areas.

Inspect each hollow-bearing tree, loose-bark section, cavity, culvert, bridge and building feature before disturbance. Use a pole camera or endoscope where safe.

Use soft felling for suitable hollow-bearing trees. Lower sections slowly and leave them undisturbed long enough for inspection and safe release of any bats.

  • Keep the spotter catcher at the active work front.
  • Stop for poor visibility, unsafe wind, damaged access controls or any uncertainty about a cavity.
  • Do not fell a tree or demolish a structure from a distance when a roost cannot be assessed safely.

During habitat disturbance: 2. If a bat, colony or breeding place is found

Stop work and establish a quiet exclusion zone. Keep workers, vehicles, dust and lighting away from the roost entrance.

Do not touch, chase, smoke, spray, seal or relocate bats unless the authorised fauna handler directs the action under the approved procedure.

If pups, pregnant or lactating females, or a group of roosting bats are found, treat the site as an active breeding place. Contact the project ecologist and approval holder before any further disturbance.

Leave an occupied roost in place where possible. If an unavoidable impact is approved, follow the species management program, permit and method statement exactly.

  • Record the location, structure, number and condition of bats, signs of young, photographs and time of discovery.
  • Maintain the exclusion zone until a qualified person gives written or recorded clearance.
  • Review the work method if the roost cannot be protected.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handling and injured animals

Only authorised and trained people may capture, handle, transport or release bats. Keep handling time short and use appropriate gloves and containers.

Do not handle a bat with bare hands. Bats can bite, and Australian bat lyssavirus is a human health risk.

If a bat is injured, grounded, weak, entangled or unable to fly, stop nearby work and contact the nominated wildlife carer, veterinarian or wildlife authority. Do not release it without professional advice.

If a person is bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with soap and running water and seek urgent medical advice.

  • Keep the animal quiet, dark and at a stable temperature while awaiting advice.
  • Record the finder, location, time, injury, photographs, handler and destination.
  • Follow workplace exposure and incident procedures.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Records and stop-work control

Use a fauna interaction form for every bat observation, roost inspection, exclusion, rescue, injury and work stoppage.

The spotter catcher should communicate directly with the supervisor and have an unambiguous stop-work signal. Production targets must not override the stop-work instruction.

Update the site map when a new roost, flight path, colony or breeding place is found.

  • Record species identification or identification confidence.
  • Record weather, work activity, machinery, noise, lighting and the response taken.
  • Keep copies of permits, approvals, photographs, call files and release decisions with the project records.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

Do not close the fauna task when the last tree or structure is removed. Check the work area, confirm that controls worked, and follow up any roost, colony or animal affected by the works.

Inspect felled hollow sections, debris piles, buildings, culverts and the edge of retained habitat for trapped, injured or displaced bats.

Search quietly and systematically before machinery leaves the area. Recheck cavities and structures that were subject to exclusion or staged removal.

If a bat is found, stop relevant work and use the authorised handling and rehabilitation pathway.

  • Record the area inspected, time, personnel, weather and findings.
  • Photograph retained hollows, replacement structures and any damaged habitat.
  • Confirm that no exclusion device has trapped an animal inside.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Roost and activity monitoring

Monitor a retained or relocated roost where required by the approval or management plan. Use emergence watches and acoustic detectors to check continued use and activity.

Pay particular attention to the warmer breeding period, when microbat maternity use is more likely. Look for repeated occupation, pups and lactating females.

Compare post-work records with the baseline, while allowing for natural changes in weather and bat activity.

  • Use the same detector locations and methods where practicable.
  • Record roost occupancy, emergence activity, species confidence, weather and nearby lighting or noise.
  • Escalate evidence of abandonment, injury, trapped young or unexpected colony use.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated animals and replacement roosts

Record every animal released, the release location, condition, method and follow-up requirement. Do not assume that a released bat has survived or found a suitable roost.

Check bat boxes or other replacement roost structures for damage, weather exposure, predation risk and evidence of use. Replacement structures are supplementary and may take time to be adopted.

Where a roost was lost under an approved action, complete the monitoring and reporting required by the permit or species management program.

  • Inspect structures without blocking entrances.
  • Keep replacement roosts in quiet, dark locations connected to retained vegetation where the design and site are suitable.
  • Repair or replace damaged structures promptly.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Reporting and incident review

Provide the client, approval holder and relevant authority with the required clearance, fauna interaction and compliance reports.

Review every stop-work event, injury, unexpected roost, failed exclusion or breach of the method statement. Identify the cause and change the work method before the next stage.

Share lessons with the spotter catcher, supervisor, operators and subcontractors before work resumes.

  • Close out permit conditions and monitoring commitments.
  • Record corrective actions, responsible people and due dates.
  • Retain the final fauna register and spatial data for future works at the site.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore native habitat

Rehabilitation should restore shelter, flight paths and insect-rich foraging habitat, not only replace cleared vegetation. Holt's long-eared bat is associated with taller jarrah and marri forest with a dense shrubby understory, but its precise roost requirements are not well established.

Retain and regenerate native jarrah and marri forest, hollow-bearing trees, large dead trees, dense understory and connected vegetation wherever practicable.

Replant local native species that develop suitable structure and insect habitat. Protect natural regeneration from browsing, fire damage, compaction and follow-up clearing.

Keep links between retained forest, water, roosts and likely feeding areas. Avoid creating isolated patches or narrow routes exposed to bright lighting.

  • Use local provenance seed or tubestock where required by the rehabilitation plan.
  • Protect retained trees from soil compaction, trenching and root damage.
  • Stage rehabilitation so that shelter is available as soon as practicable after disturbance.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Replacement roost and breeding structures

Install bat boxes, nest boxes or other artificial roost structures only where they suit the local species assemblage, habitat and structure being replaced. A qualified bat ecologist should select the design and placement.

Use replacement structures as a supplement to retained natural hollows, fissures, loose bark, caves, mines, culverts, bridges or buildings. They are not a substitute for protecting an active maternity roost.

Where a building, bridge or culvert remains, retain suitable crevices and sheltered roost features if they do not create a safety risk.

Monitor artificial structures for occupancy, temperature, damage, predators and conflict with maintenance activities.

  • Place structures away from bright lights and high traffic.
  • Maintain safe access for inspection without blocking entrances.
  • Record design, materials, location, orientation, installation date and inspection results.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, water and insects

Control weeds that suppress native understory and prevent regeneration. Use methods that do not contaminate roosts, water or occupied structures.

Protect creeks, soaks, dams and other suitable drinking areas from sediment, spills and excessive night lighting. Do not create open water features without considering mosquitoes, erosion and site safety.

Maintain native vegetation that supports insect prey. Reduce broad-scale insecticide use near retained roosts and foraging habitat unless specifically justified.

  • Use sediment and erosion controls during earthworks.
  • Keep chemicals, wash-down areas and refuelling away from roosts and water.
  • Inspect rehabilitation areas after rain, fire and extreme weather.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Long-term monitoring and maintenance

Monitor restored habitat, retained roost trees and replacement structures over the period required by the approval or rehabilitation plan.

Use acoustic monitoring, emergence watches and direct inspections where they can answer a clear management question. Repeat methods consistently so changes can be interpreted.

Adapt weed control, lighting, access, fire management and replacement structure placement when monitoring shows that bats are not using the habitat or that roosts are at risk.

  • Set monitoring objectives before works finish.
  • Record bat activity, roost use, habitat condition, weeds, water, lighting and disturbances.
  • Keep monitoring records with the site's ecological and rehabilitation data.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Fire, lighting and future works

Manage fire risk in consultation with the land manager while retaining mature trees, dead timber and understory needed for shelter and prey.

Use low-spill, low-intensity lighting and direct fittings away from roost entrances, retained vegetation and flight paths.

Apply the same pre-clearance and approval process to future maintenance, pruning, utility works and access upgrades. A previously unused structure may become a roost or breeding place later.

  • Include bat habitat in the site's environmental management plan.
  • Mark retained roost trees and replacement structures on future work plans.
  • Review the plan after fire, major storms, tree failure or changes in land use.

Sources