Ghost Bat

Taxobox


image_caption = Ghost Bat at Perth Zoo
name = Ghost Bat
status = VU | status_system = IUCN2.3
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Mammalia
ordo = Chiroptera
familia = Megadermatidae
genus = "Macroderma"
species = "M. gigas"
binomial = "Macroderma gigas"
binomial_authority = (Dobson, 1880)

The Ghost Bat ("Macroderma gigas"), also known as the False Vampire Bat is a bat endemic to Australia, named for the extremely thin membrane of its wings that makes it appear ghostly at night. Ghost Bats have grey fur on their backs and pale grey or white fur on their undersides. They have long, narrow wings but no tail, averaging 11 cm in length. Females are generally smaller than males.The adaptations of the ghost bats: They have large ears for long distance hearing, and very sharp teeth to attack prey.

The Ghost Bat is the only carnivorous bat in Australia and is also the largest microbat in the world. It is largely insectivorous but will also consume frogs, lizards, and other small animals, including other bats. It hunts by sight as well as with echolocation. After killing its prey with its powerful bite, it carries it to a feeding perch to eat.

Ghost Bats inhabit northern Australia, from the east to the west coast. They roost in caves, mines, and tunnels in small colonies, usually of less than a hundred bats.

There are about 4000 to 6000 Ghost Bats in the wild. Females give birth to one young in September or November once every year. Ghost bats are considered to be vulnerable; their numbers declining due to the destruction of caves for mining, habitat clearing for agricultural use, and even cave tourism.

References

*"Extreme Science: Chasing the Ghost Bat and other Mysteries of Nature", Peter Jedickle (Editor), Griffin Trade, 2001
*"Bats, The Amazing Upside-downers", Phyllis J. Perry Franklin Watts/Grolier Publishing, 1998
* [http://www.australianfauna.com/ghostbat.php Australian Fauna: Ghost Bat]
* [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/12590/all IUCN Red List species information]
* [http://www.amonline.net.au/wild_kids/bats/ghost.htm Wild Kids species information]