The Macroderma Initiative: conserving ghost bats and informing development

Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas):

The Mt Etna population does not interbreed with other populations of the ghost bat in Queensland. This low population is unsustainable. The population has seriously declined in numbers since quarrying destroyed a cave used for over-wintering. Various strategies are being considered to ensure the population’s survival.

About the project

Starting point

This is a Linkage Project coordinated by Dr Nicola Hanrahan out of Charles Darwin University and approved November 2023 for three years. It has various partners including industry and the Australian Speleological Federation and the Australasian Bat Society. ASF support is as a partner in a Linkage Project with Western Sydney University and University of Melbourne. Dr Chris Turbill is heading the project. ASF support is financial and assistance with cave information, maps and access support.

The ghost bat has been under pressure from quarrying (Mt Etna); It has disappeared from The Centre. Mining is proposed in the vicinity of the largest colony in the abandoned Pine Creek, NT mine workings.

About the Research

Ghost Bat Photo : Bruce Thomson

More Information

International Bat Appreciation Day. Free Webinar. 17th April. 8-9pm AEST.

Cave trespassers spook ghost bats.

ABC News. 19/2/2025

Ghost Bat, Offset schemes and the Pilbara

ABC Science. 21/10/2024

Out of sight out of mind - Ghost bat habitat destruction in the Northern Territory The Guardian 14/06/2024

The Ghost Bat was Cave Animal of the Year in 2022.

ABC Radio National, Ann Jones What the Duck?!
Australia's most underrated animal. Ghost Bat comes 9th. Listen to the podcast.