Lesser Long-eared Bat

Family: Vespertilionidae
Scientific name: Nyctophilus geoffroyi

Where they roost:
Hollows and fissures in old trees, under bark, in old fairy marten nests, and in occasionally in caves. They often roost in ceilings, hollow walls, unused roller doors and canvas awnings in suburban and inner-city areas. They prefer hollows of big old eucalypts for nursery colonies.

What they eat:
These bats hunt near the ground. They catch flying insects in flight and can snatch insects off the ground or leaves. They can be seen at night swooping around street lights catching insects. They usually eat their prey as they fly.

Conservation threats:
Vulnerable to loss of tree hollows and loss of feeding grounds by forestry activities, clearing for agriculture and housing, and land degradation.

Other information:
Lesser long-eared bats occur in towns and suburbs. These bats are at risk from the pesticides and cats.

Photo © D Whitford/Nature Focus