Chalinolobus picatus
This bat has glossy black fur on its back with a grey belly. There are two white stripes that run on the sides of the body and form a ‘V’ at the pubic region.
Habitat
These bats will live in tree hollow as well as caves, abandoned mines and buildings. They prefer dry forest and woodland, Brigalow and mallee of the Darling River catchment. Surface water is scare in this area and the species frequently visits stock dams for an evening drink. Little pied bats generally roost alone and will remain in the same area throughout their lifetime.
Breeding
Females will give birth to one or two young in October and November.
Predators and Threats
Feral cats, hawks, owls and butcherbirds. Tree clearing, loss of old mines.
Photo: Bruce Thomson
Sources:
Churchill, S. (2008) Australian Bats (2nd Edition). Allen and Unwin, Sydney.
Hall, L. (2009) Bats, A Wild Australia Guide. Steve Parish Publishing, Queensland.
Atlas of Living Australia