New bat rehabilitation centre opens near Goulburn

Owned and managed by WIRES Inc. and funded through a community grant from Holcim Australia, the Holcim Bat Flight Centre was officially opened on Monday November 27. 

The Holcim Bat Flight Centre’s peak times will be between November and March each year.

It will enable microbats that have been orphaned, suffered habitat loss, or are recovering from injuries or illness, to regain flight fitness prior before being returned to their native habitat. 

The centre has already received requests to accommodate microbats from areas throughout the state including Goulburn, Marulan, Yass, Young, Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Sydney.

At the launch, WIRES Inc. Chief Executive Officer Leanne Taylor said until now there have been no aviaries in NSW large enough to accommodate the flight rehabilitation requirements for many of the microbat species that come into care. 

“Despite their small size (from only 4cm in length), many bat species are adapted for fast flight above the forest canopy,” Ms Taylor said.

“They need very large, empty spaces before they will even consider taking off and the new aviary is a 10m long by 10m and 4m high. 

“Thanks to this generous donation from Holcim we now have a suitable space right here in the Southern Tablelands capable of accommodating almost every species of microbat found in NSW.”

Holcim general manager Stephen Mossie said the company was delighted to support this excellent community-based environmental program.

“This facility will make a huge difference to microbat rehabilitation, both for the 18 or so species found locally, as well as for species right across NSW,” Mr Mossie said.

“The aim of this new centre is to protect and preserve some of NSW’s unique native species and help ensure their survival.”

There are approximately 32 species of microbats found in NSW, ranging in size from 4 to 40g.

They are nocturnal insect pest controllers, consuming up to 100 per cent of their body weight in insects every night.

They are clean and sociable animals that do not gnaw wood, wires or insulation. For more information visit https://www.wires.org.au/rescue/microbats

Although it is estimated that fewer than 1pc of flying-foxes and bats carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus it is a requirement of the NSW Health Service that anyone working with these animals is vaccinated as a safety precaution. 

Members of the public are warned to never take the risk of handling any bat but to call WIRES on 1300 094 737.