Northern leafnosed-bat
Northern leafnosed-bat
© Bruce Thomson
Common name: Northern leafnosed-bat
Scientific name: Hipposideros stenotis
Animal group: Insectivorous bat
Conservation status: This species is listed as 'Vulnerable' in Queensland (Nature Conservation Act 1992).
Distribution: The only records in Queensland are from Mt. Isa. It also occurs in across the top of the Northern Territory and in the Western Kimberley.
Description: Similar in appearance to Semon's leafnosed-bat, with narrow, pointed ears, and two wart-like projections on the noseleaf. The northern leafnosed-bat can be distinguished from Semon's leafnosed-bat by its smaller size, less prominent noseleaf, and smaller noseleaf projections. The fur is long and grey-brown, with lighter coloured belly fur. Body weight: 4.6-6.4g.
Behaviour: Nocturnally active. It is less likely to take flight when disturbed at the roost, even when intruders approach to within 50cm. It flies close to the ground with a slow and butterfly-like flight pattern.
Habitat: Tall open forest, open eucalypt woodland, flood plains and spinifex hills. In the Kimberley, it is usually captured along creek and pools. The habitat use is influenced by the availability of roost sites.
Threatening processes: Known threats include, roost destruction and disturbance. Examples are reworking of old mines on Koolan Island, Northern Territory, and in the Pine Creek area in the Northern Territory.
Recovery actions:
- Protect roosts from disturbance and destruction.
- Check identification of Mt Isa specimens.
- Determine range limits.
- Estimate population size by field survey.
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.
Last updated: 31 August 2006