Emergence patterns at a non-breeding eastern bent-winged bat (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis) roost in New South Wales

Abstract

Eastern bent-winged bats (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis) migrate between breeding roosts and overwintering roosts each year. This project describes microbat exit count patterns across different seasons at a disused oil shale adit (i.e. horizontal mine passage) near Mudgee in New South Wales. We also document adit occupation seasonality for Miniopterus orianae oceanensis and the eastern horseshoe-bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus). This information can be used to guide survey effort and timing for adit microbat investigations. The majority of bats exited within 50 min of the first exit, which typically occurs between 9 and 27 min after sunset.