Rehab | Microbat | Myotis macropus, Southern Myotis, Large-footed Myotis, M. adversus

I am sure I have the correct species name for this little one. If not, let me know.

This species is now most often referred to as Myotis macropusor the Southern Myotis, but has previously been called the Large-footed Myotis (M. adversus). It has disproportionately large feet; more than 8 mm long, with widely-spaced toes which are distinctly hairy and with long, curved claws. It has dark-grey to reddish brown fur above and is paler below. It weighs up to 15 grams and has a wingspan of about 28 cm.

They have very large feet to help them catch insects from the water and narrow wings to help them fly fast.

They fly over creeks, streams, pools and rake their clawed hind feet through the water to catch small fish and insects. They find flying insects by making small sounds through their mouths that humans cannot hear. The sounds bounce off objects and come back to the bat. The bats listen to the sounds that come back and are able to tell where things are. This is called echolocation.

The Southern Myotis is found in the coastal band from the north-west of Australia, across the top-end and south to western Victoria. It is rarely found more than 100 km inland, except along major rivers.

Generally roost in groups of 10 - 15 close to water in caves, mine shafts, hollow-bearing trees, storm water channels, buildings, under bridges and in dense foliage.

Females have one young each year usually in November or December. The young bats are born helpless and without hair and hold onto their mother's belly. The young bats feed on milk from nipples located under their mother's armpits until they are old enough to look for food themselves.

Male Large-footed Myotis bats often fight with each other for space and females.

Threats

Loss or disturbance of roosting sites.
Clearing adjacent to foraging areas.
Application of pesticides in or adjacent to foraging areas.
Reduction in stream water quality affecting food resources

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Retain native vegetation along streams and rivers and around other waterbodies.
Minimise the use of pesticides adjacent to foraging areas.
Protect roosts from damage or disturbance.

Information sources

Churchill, S. (1998) Australian Bats. New Holland, Sydney.
Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2001) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford Uni Press, Melbourne.
Richards, G.C. (1995) Large-footed Myotis Myotis adversus. Pp. 521-2 in Strahan, R.(ed.) The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.