Diurnal tree-roosting by Eastern Horseshoe Bats Rhinolophus megaphyllus

Abstract

The Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus is known to roost in caves, disused mines, tunnels and old buildings. Other tropical Rhinolophus species are reported to use tree roosts, but this has not been reported for R. megaphyllus. We describe the features of a R. megaphyllus tree roost identified on the mid north coast of NSW. The tree was monitored over a 10-year period before the tree’s collapse during the 2019/2020 wildfires. The tree was not observed to be used in the maternity season. The discovery highlights the potential importance of hollow trees as habitat for species not previously recorded as using tree roosts. In addition, the discovery further identifies the need for consideration of changing fire management with the onset of warming and drying as part of climate change. Prevention of future conflagrations, as was witnessed during 2019/2020 fire season, should consider a range of options to help prevent the loss of valuable hollow-bearing habitat trees.