Saving Our Species: Restoring Habitat for the Golden-tipped Bat
The Golden-tipped Bat (Phoniscus papuensis) is one of our region’s most intriguing microbats. It roosts in rainforest gullies and wet forest types, often in abandoned hanging bird nests like those of the yellow-throated scrub-wren and brown gerygone. But its survival depends on more than just roost sites—it needs dense vegetation and intact canopy cover to forage for its favorite prey: web-building spiders.
Why This Species Is Under Threat
Unfortunately, habitat loss from land clearing, bushfires, and invasive weeds is putting this unique bat at risk. When weeds like lantana and exotic vines invade rainforest gullies, they choke native vegetation, disrupt canopy structure, and block the clear flyways the bats need to hunt and move between roosts.
Our Restoration Focus
The Saving Our Species Golden-tipped Bat Project is tackling these threats head-on by restoring degraded habitat on private properties in the Coffs Harbour LGA. Our on-ground actions include:
- Primary and follow-up weed control in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest along gullies and riparian areas.
- Targeting lantana, exotic vines, and scramblers—key threats that impact the bat’s ability to forage and roost.
- Opening up flyways and improving habitat health to support robust bat populations.
By removing invasive weeds and improving habitat quality, we’re creating safer, healthier ecosystems for the Golden-tipped Bat and countless other species that depend on these forests.
Why It Matters
Restoring these habitats doesn’t just help one species—it strengthens entire ecological communities, improves waterway health, and builds climate resilience across our landscapes.
Photo credits: Golden-tipped bat – George Mandani Golden-tipped bat roost in old hanging bird’s nest – Chris Ormond
