Bat haven at Sydney Olympic Park

The results of a summer survey of bats at Sydney Olympic Park have returned some positive results.

The survey was conducted in an effort to discover what species of bat inhabit the Parklands and what can be done to protect them.

Manager of Park Ecosystems, Kerry Darcovich, says the results of the survey were extremely encouraging.

“The recent summer survey indicates that Sydney Olympic Park now hosts eight species of microbat as well as the threatened Grey-headed Flying Fox, which is quite a large number for one area,” Ms Darcovich said.

“Sydney Olympic Park supports many ecological communities, native plants and animals that were once widespread in Sydney but are now quite rare in urban areas. The results of this survey demonstrate that by protecting this diversity we are having a very positive effect on the local flora and fauna,” Ms Darcovich added.

Microbats and Flying Foxes are mammals, however, microbats can weigh as little as 4 grams and use echolocation to hunt for insects during the night. Flying Foxes are much larger mammals and use sight and smell to find their food.

“During the day microbats will roost in secretive places such as under the bark of trees, in the ceilings of buildings or in caves. Results of our survey also show that three of the eight bat species living at Sydney Olympic Park are breeding on site,” Ms Darcovich said.

“The survey also highlighted the importance of the heritage buildings located within Sydney Olympic Park that house a breeding colony of the White-striped Mastiff Bat. This is the only known breeding colony of this species within the Sydney metropolitan area. In fact, this roost may be the only breeding colony for this species known to use a building instead of the usual cave,” Ms Darcovich added.

The Sydney Olympic Park Authority is committed to protecting these species and their habitat within the Parklands. For more information about the work and conservation of bats at Sydney Olympic Park visit www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

Media Contact: Sydney Olympic Park Authority