Threatened Microbat Surprises Scientists in Urban Illawarra, Australia

Wollongong, Australia — In a surprising twist, a rare and threatened microbat species has been discovered thriving in urban areas of the Illawarra region, marking a significant milestone in conservation science.

Scientists from the New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) made the discovery during a first-of-its-kind survey using harp traps. The species, known as the Southern Myotis, was found foraging within 100 meters of housing estates, a behavior that was previously thought to be highly unlikely.

"This is super exciting," said Beth Mott, senior threatened species officer at DCCEEW. "We've lost about 80 percent of the woodland, and now we see these bats adapting to urban environments in ways we didn't expect."

The Southern Myotis, a microbat about the size of a 20-cent coin, is one of the most endangered bat species in Australia, with an estimated population of around 10,000 individuals. Known for their disproportionately large, hairy feet, these bats typically prefer heavily wooded areas for shelter and foraging. However, the Illawarra Escarpment — a natural feature framing Wollongong — has become a new, unexpected habitat.

"We would have expected some of our vulnerable species to hang on in the area, but to see them moving into the urban spaces is something really special," Mott said. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the species' habitat preferences and highlights the adaptability of wildlife in the face of rapid urbanization.

During the survey, Mott and her team captured eight Southern Myotis between February and May using harp traps near Yallah and South Nowra. The technique, which uses fishing lines stretched over a frame and a cotton collection bag, allows researchers to safely capture and release bats without causing harm.

"We generally check the traps every two hours throughout the night, measure the bats, and then let them go straight away so they can get back home," Mott explained. "We're still doing acoustic detection work, and we should be able to add to our understanding of microbats very soon."

The survey also identified eleven different species of bats, including long-eared bats, emphasizing the rich biodiversity of the region. However, the findings also underscore the challenges posed by habitat loss due to urban sprawl.

"If we start to lose things like large hollowed-out trees, we could lose our bat fauna," Mott warned. "Microbats play a crucial role in the ecosystem, eating vast amounts of insects every night — sometimes as much as half their own body weight. They help us avoid mosquito bites, especially during outdoor activities like barbecues."

To address these challenges, Mott and her team are working on strategies to make urban environments more suitable for microbats and other small creatures. These include restoring watercourses, using less impactful lighting at night, and planting trees with flaky bark to provide roosting sites.

The department is also planning to partner with the community, including local schools like Keira High School, to install nest boxes, plant roost trees, and conserve tree hollows. These efforts aim to create a more bat-friendly urban landscape while preserving the region's biodiversity.

"This discovery is a reminder of the importance of protecting and restoring natural habitats, even in urban areas," Mott said. "By working together with the community, we can ensure that these threatened species have a future in our cities."