GOULD'S LONG-EARED BAT

Gould’s long-eared bat is a small to medium-sized bat, with a body length of about 5 to 6 centimetres, and a wingspan reaching up to 28 centimetres. As its name suggests, it has notably long ears, which are almost as long as its head. These ears are not just for show—they play a crucial role in echolocation, helping the bat navigate and hunt in the dark. Its fur is typically a soft brown, providing excellent camouflage against the bark of trees. Gould’s long-eared bat is named after John Gould, a renowned English ornithologist and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of Australian wildlife.

This species is predominantly found in eastern and south-eastern Australia, ranging from Queensland down through New South Wales and Victoria to South Australia. Gould’s long-eared bat favours a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and even areas with dense vegetation. They are adaptable and can sometimes be found in urban areas, making use of gardens and parks.

Gould’s long-eared bat is an insectivore, feasting primarily on moths, beetles, and other flying insects. Its long ears are particularly useful for detecting the faint sounds of prey in flight. The bat uses echolocation to navigate and hunt, emitting high-frequency sounds that bounce back from objects, painting a sonic picture of its surroundings. These bats are excellent at manoeuvring through dense vegetation, thanks to their agile flight and acute hearing.   

The breeding season for Gould’s long-eared bat typically occurs in the spring. Females give birth to one or two pups, usually in late spring or early summer. The young are born hairless and blind, relying entirely on their mothers for warmth and nourishment in the early weeks of life. They grow quickly and are ready to fly and hunt independently within a few months.

In the wild, Gould’s long-eared bats have a lifespan that can extend to around 10 years, although many factors, such as predation and habitat loss, can impact their longevity.

Currently, Gould’s long-eared bat is not considered to be at risk, and its conservation status is listed as Least Concern. However, like many wildlife species, it faces threats from habitat destruction and fragmentation, particularly due to land clearing and urban development. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and ensuring that these bats continue to thrive.

The sounds of Gould’s long-eared bat are typically beyond the range of human hearing, as they use high-frequency echolocation calls. However, if you were to listen with the help of a bat detector, you would hear a series of rapid clicks or chirps, which they use to locate prey and navigate through their environment. They play an essential role in controlling insect populations, making them valuable allies in maintaining ecological balance.

In understanding and appreciating the Gould’s long-eared bat, we are reminded of the intricate connections within ecosystems and the importance of conserving these remarkable creatures for future generations.