Southern bent-wing bat
The Bat Cave in is one of only two known breeding places for the southern bent-wing bat. These bats have been breeding, feeding and hibernating here since megafauna roamed the plains. They represent a thread of history that links the distant past to the here and now, and even the future.
Blanche Cave
Discovered in 1845, this was the first cave to be found in the region. For many years the cave was a community space, used by locals for picnics, parties and to escape the summer heat. Now, Blanche Cave is World and National Heritage listed.
The Bat Tour
You’ll start at the Bat Observation Centre, where you’ll watch and learn about the fascinating activities of our resident southern bent-wing bats, a critically endangered species and be able to watch them via infrared camera. Watch as the bats move about their maternity chamber and you may be lucky enough to spot a rare albino bat.
The tour then heads into the majestic Blanche Cave. If you’re visiting Blanche Cave in winter, you’ll probably see some of our bat population hibernating in a huddle on the cave ceiling. In summer, you can watch the bats' spectacular flight from the Bat Cave at dusk as they head out for a feed of insects. If you’re an early riser, you can also see them return at dawn.
The Bat Observation Centre is the only place in the world where students can peek into the underground world of one of our most endangered animals, via infrared camera.
In this program, our guide will explain the conservation issues surrounding the rare southern bent-wing bat, and discuss current research into its numbers. Students will also learn about the habits of this tiny creature. They may even get to see a rare albino bat.
This program also includes a visit to the Blanche Cave, where in winter groups of bats can often be seen huddled in groups, hibernating on the cave ceiling.
Southern bent-winged bat - past research
Southern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii bassanii) is a critically endangered species. Naracoorte Caves’ Bat Cave is one of only two breeding sites for the species, making it an important site for research into the biology and conservation of this special animal. The other breeding site is Starlight Cave in Warrnambool, Victoria.
Research into the Southern Bent-wing Bat has a long history at the Naracoorte Caves. The combined efforts of researchers and volunteers across this history demonstrates the important role that community plays in effective and far-reaching science and conservation.
A number of scientific papers and reports have been published on the Southern Bent-wing Bat at Naracoorte Caves.
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