Fawn leafnosed-bat
Common name: Fawn leafnosed-bat
Scientific name: Hipposideros cervinus
Animal group: Insectivorous bat
Conservation status: This species is listed as 'Vulnerable' in Queensland (Nature Conservation Act 1992).
Distribution: Distributed from the Coen region northwards to the tip of Cape York. Distribution extends to South-east Asia and Melanesia.
Description: A leafnosed-bat (Hipposideridae) that can be distinguished from other leaf-nosed and horseshoe bats by the shape of the noseleaf. The noseleaf has no central projection, and narrows at the front making the secondary leaflets more visible. The ears are broad and triangular. Males of this species have a small gland on the forehead, which produces an odourless fluid of unknown function (females only have a depression in this area). The fur can be grey, greyish-brown, or orange. Body weight: 5.6-9g.
Behaviour: This species is nocturnal. They commute from roosting to foraging areas along established pathways, often along creeks or gullies. Individuals or groups split off from the main group and fly into the forest to commence hunting. The return to the roost is a reverse pattern of the exit. The flight when commuting to and from the roost is fast and direct, with slight changes in direction to avoid vegetation. The foraging flight is slower and more fluttering, with continual flight, perch hunting, and hovering.
Habitat: The fawn leafnosed-bat hunts in a range of habitats including rainforest, gallery forest along watercourses, and open savannah woodland. It forages from one metre above the ground to canopy height, but not above canopy. The perches used during foraging are usually situated near an open space one to six metres above the ground. Foraging also occurs around buildings and parkland.
Threatening processes: Known threats of this species include, roost destruction - the abandoned Stewart River Mine, which contained a colony of H. cervinus, was destroyed when mining recommenced. It is believed that roost disturbance, habitat alteration and predation by cats also threaten this species.
Recovery actions:
- Protection of roosts from disturbance and destruction.
- Survey old mines within distribution for further roost sites.
Further information:
Churchill, S. (1998) Australian bats. New Holland, Sydney.
Duncan, A., Baker, G.B. and Montgomery, N. (Eds.). (1999) The Action Plan for Australian Bats. Environment Australia, Canberra.
Pavey, C.R. and Burwell, C.J. (1995) Fawn leafnosed-bat Hipposideros cervinus. Pp 457-458. In : The Mammals of Australia. (Ed. Strahan, R.). Reed Books: Chatswood, NSW.
Last updated: 31 August 2006