The population of an endangered Australian bat suddenly dropped by up to 16%. No one knows why
The population of the critically endangered southern bent-wing bat has declined by up to 16% at a key maternity site in South Australia. Scientists are currently investigating the cause of this sudden drop, which represents a loss of approximately 5,000 adults.
Why it matters
The decline of a critically endangered species at a primary breeding site signals potential ecological instability and highlights the urgent need for conservation intervention.
Southern bent-wing bat numbers have dropped by about 16%, causing alarm among scientists studying the critically endangered microbats. Photograph: Jo Howell/Zoos Victoria Southern bent-wing bat numbers have dropped by about 16%, causing alarm among scientists studying the critically endangered microbats. Photograph: Jo Howell/Zoos Victoria Australian climate and environmental reporting Australia news The population of an endangered Australian bat suddenly dropped by up to 16%. No one knows why Exclusive: Scientists say about 5,000 fewer southern bent-wing bats have been recorded at a key maternity site for the species
Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in