One of the more innovative environmental suggestions to come out of the recent environmental awareness training at AAPL was to install bat roosts, for Micro (insect) bats. Due to development in the area their habitat is being affected and we hope these artificial roosts will entice the bats back into the area. The roosts are being checked daily for any sign that the bats have arrived.

Mating in insectivorous bats usually occurs during the autumn months of March through to June in the temperate regions of Australia, including Victoria. During the coldest months of late autumn and throughout the winter, most insectivorous species greatly reduce their nightly foraging activity due to a lack of insect prey and undergo extended periods of hibernation in their winter roosts. There is no foetal growth or development of young in the womb during this hibernation period.

3 new artificial Bat Roosts

During the early weeks of spring when the average daily temperature increases, the nightly activity of bats steadily increases as they take advantage of the increasing numbers of flying insects. The increased nightly activity and the boost to nourishment trigger the rapid growth and development of young bats in the womb.

Females usually give birth to young in late October and throughout November and it is during this period and the early months of summer that insectivorous bats actively search for new roosting sites close to foraging areas.

Detail of artificial Bat Roosts

Our artificial bat roosts were installed in early March of this year and although we have not expected them to be occupied over the last few months, the intervening period has provided ample opportunity for insectivorous bats to become aware of them when commuting through the area on their way to foraging grounds. As September through to February is the most likely period for insectivorous bats to occupy our roosts, we will be regularly monitoring them throughout that period for any signs of success