Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Mormopterus
    Species
    planiceps
    Family
    Molossidae
    Order
    Chiroptera
    Class
    Mammalia
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia

Introduction

When South Eastern Freetail or Mastiff Bats have been radio-tracked they have been found to forage up to 12 kilometres from their roosts.

Habitat

South Eastern Freetail Bats roost in in tree hollows and the roofs of houses. Colonies of up to 150 have been reported. They choose roosts with very narrow entrances and cavities, which are not much larger than themselves.

Distribution


Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Feeding and diet

In Victoria, South Eastern Freetail Bats have been recorded eating bugs, beetles, ants and moths. The forage in the spaces between trees, at the outer edge of remnant vegetation and above the forest canopy. They also forage on the ground where they are quite agile.

Conservation status

South Eastern Freetail Bats are vulnerable to loss of tree hollows and loss of feeding grounds by extensive clearing for agriculture and land degradation.