There are nearly 1000 species of bats and, of the 70 estimated in Victoria, up to 14 call Bendigo home.

Bats do good deeds for the environment yet negative perceptions mean they are more often than not maligned. An attempt to spread a positive message about their impact was embraced during workshops hosted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority as part of Spring in the Bendigo Bush.

The Bats in our Bush workshops, at Kennington Reservoir on September 6, explored bat ecology and conservation. Forty participants included children, tertiary students, wildlife rescue workers and members of field naturalist clubs.

Amid a glorious spring Saturday they received a passionate and engaging presentation by Geelong bat enthusiast, Grant Baverstock, and Dr Bill Holsworth.

Mr Baverstock started studying mammals about 30 years ago and it wasn't long before his fascination with bats grew to the extent that they became the focus of his surveying and research work.

"They are an unknown mammal that occurs in the (Bendigo) area. Most people have a fear of bats but when they get to see what they are like they realise the benefits they bring."
He began researching bats when he was a member of the Geelong Field Naturalists and, while no longer involved in that group, he is a member of the Australasian Bat Society and the Australian Mammal Society.

Bat species in the Bendigo region typically roost under loose bark, in fissures or in the hollows or spouts of trees.

These species are predominantly micro-bats or insectivorous bats and can weigh between 5g - 18g. Using sophisticated echolocation (a high frequency sound) to locate and capture prey such as beetles, moths, mosquitoes and aquatic insects, these tiny creatures will eat about half of their body weight in insects each night.

Mr Baverstock highlighted the importance of bats as cross-pollinators and insect eradicators.
There is no evidence that the number of bats in the region has declined but it is likely the population will plummet unless action is taken to protect their habitats.

"The increase in housing and reduction of forest has probably put huge pressure on the bat population. It is unknown what pressure the drought has had but less flowering means less insects for the bats," Mr Baverstock said.

Maintaining healthy water quality and limiting habitat loss are keys to the future of local bat populations.

The workshop participants were encouraged to preserve bat habitats through creating artificial roosting sites, protecting dead trees and planting a range of indigenous vegetation to attract insects.

The aim of Spring in the Bendigo Bush is to promote and raise awareness of the bushland surrounding the City of Greater Bendigo.

In 2003 the Box-Ironbark forest surrounding Bendigo was recognised as containing unique flora and fauna.

North Central Catchment Management Authority Waterwatch Facilitator, Shane Thaddeus, said the Bats in the Bush workshop was a tremendous success.

"The audience went away with a greater understanding of the uniqueness of the bush surrounding Bendigo and it is not difficult to appreciate as it is on our doorstep so to speak.

"I have a personal fondness for bats and was just as surprised as many there to discover now many species are present around Bendigo. These fascinating and complex creatures need our help and Grant's presentation highlighted this - there is much that we can do to ensure that
populations are viable into the future." said Mr Thaddeus.

"Preventing habitat decline and destruction, as well improving water quality and riparian areas, is a step in the right direction not just for bats but for biodiversity generally. As the weather improves and the bush comes alive I encourage the public to go out experience the beauty and diversity that surrounds us."

Another event on this year's Spring in the Bendigo Bush calendar is a Nature Photography workshop with celebrated local photographer David Kleinert. The fully booked workshop will be at One Tree Hill Regional Park on Saturday, September 20.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au