Little Wing Bat Haven

24/07/2024

🦇 So excited to get some new microbat pins from our friends up north!

In collaboration with , the Greater Broad-nosed Bat -Scoteanax rueppelli aka “The Darkness Chief” muncher of little bats and nocturnal lord of the forest.

The Orange- Leaf nosed Bat - Rhinonicteris aurantia, the hi-vis gargoyle haunting rocky escarpments across Australia.

All proceeds go directly to funding George’s Microbat research work studying population dynamics of the Little Forest Bat.

To order your own, you can message George direct via his Instagram page here-
https://www.instagram.com/uncle_maddog?igsh=MWprdHl6d2NlbHJkNw==

21/07/2024

🦇What a fantastic turn out! Amazing job to all involved.

If you would like to help bats through volunteer rescue or are in the veterinary industry, the next training day is in Sale.
Event link to register here-

https://facebook.com/events/s/flying-fox-microbat-rescue-tra/1160269175231700/

19/07/2024

Thank you so much to the lady in Cowes that called in this beautiful Grey-headed Flying Fox pup that was entangled on barbed wire.

We were utterly elated to see Stephen and Dennis from our local SES Phillip Island Unit on scene making sure the pup was safe until we arrived- love our volunteers!!

Thankfully we were able to gently unwind the wing membrane that was pierced and wrapped around the barb and get this little girl into care.

As expected she is utterly exhausted, but doing well, and has discovered that her favourite food is pear.

A friendly reminder to always call immediately if you find an animal in trouble- it can literally be the difference between life and death.
Please never touch a bat, always wait for a vaccinated, trained rescuer ❤️🦇

For information on fencing that does not harm wildlife, check out Wildlife Friendly Fencing

15/07/2024

Who remembers this banger 🎶

11/07/2024

Over the last week we have received a few call outs for Microbats.
During winter, Microbats enter a state called ‘torpor’ that is similar to hibernation.
During torpor bats reduce their temperature, heart rate and breathing which slows down their metabolism and other bodily functions. They often appear bunched up and not moving much- this is when an unsuspecting person can accidentally disturb a Microbat- they are commonly found this time of year in wood piles, horse rugs, outdoor awnings, umbrellas etc.

If you come across a Microbat tucked away, please leave it be, it will be resting.

If you find one out exposed during the day or on the ground, that’s when it needs assistance.

If you are unsure, please call your nearest bat rescue to double check ❤️🦇

05/07/2024

We’d like to send a massive thank you out to those that have helped us recently!

🦇Rescue to Release Inc. has been a phenomenal help to our shelter by assisting financially to keep our car on the road as well as allowing us to auspice.
A special shout out to the associations treasurer and secretary Simonne who has done a huge amount of work for us and other rescuers to ensure we can keep going and help more animals.

🦇Dogtopia recently held “Kong Month” at the shop and has generously donated a percentage to us from all sales.

🦇Thank you to everyone who donated to our tax time appeal!

People’s generosity is really appreciated and honestly some days, has kept us going. Thank you ❤️🦇

Pictured- Grey-headed Flying Fox pup

01/07/2024

🦇Bats out during the day usually means they need assistance.
Over winter we get contacted about Microbats that are in torpor and need a helping hand.
If left, sadly they can fall victim to cat attacks or become a snack for local birds.

Please call your closest vaccinated trained bat rescuer if you find a bat- you could very literally be saving a life.

Pictured- a recent local rescue of a male adult Lesser-long Eared Bat that had found refuge on a balcony.

28/06/2024

Did you know that Microbats p**p rice?

We were utterly unaware of this astonishing fact but 4 year old little human Benny insists this is factually correct.
According to Benny: “Microbats eat only insects, but they turn it into rice in their tummies then p**p out rice. That’s why they are special.”

The more you know 🙌🤪

Pictured- Female adult Gould’s Wattled Bat just before release.

21/06/2024

Check out this X-ray of a Lesser long-eared Bat in care!
Did you know they had such delicate and elongated fingers?
Evolution has finely tuned Microbats anatomy for expertly manoeuvring their body during flight and hunting ❤️🦇

18/06/2024

Australian Geographic has just posted a fantastic video about some wonderful Flying Fox carers- check it out!
Big thanks to Annette Ruzicka Photography
❤️🦇

The 2023–24 season for Australia's flying-foxes has been a devastating one – for reasons that largely remain a mystery to researchers, thousands of bat babie...

16/06/2024

🦇Tax time is here and thanks to our awesome partners at Rescue to Release Inc. you can now make a tax deductible donation to us for any amount over $2!

We are a self funded volunteer shelter and every dollar makes a huge difference. Please think of the bats this tax time ❤️🦇

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UHLQ2PS57R9NE&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabuSsbj02zuiYPyUBEKKuZrSxCFMk2eZ2Wy8JhNcEFxW-XJr1xgTKTImqs_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

14/06/2024

🦇Little Forest Bats are one of Australia's smallest mammals weighing between 3 to 6 grams and about the size of a human thumb.

In care they make our extra small water dish looks like an olympic swimming pool 🙊

11/06/2024

With gale forced winds and a rough swell predicted in our area over the next 24 hours, please keep an extra eye out for any displaced wildlife and call your nearest rescue for assistance immediately ❤️🦇

22/05/2024

Australia is home to over 70 species of bats ❤️🦇

Which is your favourite?

17/05/2024

🦇Today is Endangered Species Day

We have recently had several Grey-headed Flying Foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) in our care and would like to use this day to highlight their importance.

Words: Australian Geographic
“These animals are a critical part of the ecosystem on the east coast. Living for 15-20 years, these nocturnal frugivores mate once a year and leave females solely responsible for rearing the young. Their population is particularly important to native species of hard woods, palms and rainforest plants because of they distribute seeds and are responsible for pollination.

Hundreds of years of evolution have made these plant species highly dependent on the grey headed flying fox’s migratory corridor and sub-colonies for their reproduction. Like the cassowary, these animals are threatened by expanding agricultural projects that are creating greater distances between their colonies. As these animals become more localised by this phenomenon the diversity of the plant species they disperse is also affected and the biodiversity of the east coast as a whole suffers.”

We must all help these magnificent creatures by planting native flora, removing illegal netting, either removing or covering lethal barbed wire, calling your local wildlife rescue if you find a Flying Fox needing assistance and supporting bat rescues.
Everyone can do something ❤️🦇

16/05/2024

Where’s the lie? ❤️🦇

04/05/2024

A fantastic write up by Australian Geographic about the Grey-headed Flying Foxes struggles this season ❤️🦇

03/05/2024

✨May the 4th be with you!✨

“Oh, surely they can’t cram bats into everything? ?” you ask.
YOU BET WE CAN.

On May 4th we celebrate Star Wars Day by highlighting the Hamamas Tube-Nosed Fruit Bat (scientifically known as Nyctimene wrightae). This species was first discovered in the forests of Papua New Guinea in 2009 and was officially named in 2017.

With its tube nose, pointy ears and slight grin, the internet was quick to pick up on its resemblance to Jedi Master Yoda. Photographer Piotr Naskrecki captured this image beautifully highlighting this fascinating creature, showcasing its distinctive appearance ❤️🦇

30/04/2024

In our area Microbats are beginning to go into torpor as the weather cools down.

If you happen to find a microbat tucked up resting, the best thing to do is to leave it be. If you have any concerns, always contact your closest wildlife rescue for advice ❤️🦇

(For more info on torpor, check out our post about it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/mTheJt2G7kpJVaxZ/?mibextid=WC7FNe)

23/04/2024

🦇 Grey-headed Flying Fox activity 🦇

We have had a few messages and tags about increased Grey-headed Flying Foxes in our area.
Since their arrival in November, Flying Foxes have been spotted at night right across west Gippsland. They are currently in their mating season and females are conceiving.

There has been some confusion that there are more Flying Foxes in the area but males in particular are just becoming more vocal in trying to find a mate. Mature males are marking their territory in a selected tree with secretions from the scent gland on their shoulders, then they defend it vigorously from other males with wing-spreading threat displays and loud calls.

This is a friendly reminder that Grey-headed Flying Foxes are a vulnerable species and we are extremely fortunate to have them stopping in the area to do vital pollination and seed dispersal of native flora.

If you would like to help them please make sure all your fruit netting is the correct size and installed correctly (https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/pocta-act-1986/protecting-fruit-trees-and-wildlife) or consider removing netting completely this season to help these phenomenal animals.

All native wildlife is protected under the Prevention of Cruelty Towards Animals (POCTA) Act 1986, cruelty towards wildlife can result in up to 2 years prison time for the perpetrator.

🎥Thank you to Sheri in Cowes for sending in this great video

16/04/2024

🦇🌟 Happy Bat Appreciation Day! 🌟🦇

Today, we celebrate these incredible creatures who play a vital role in our ecosystem. Bats are not only fascinating and unique, but they also help control insect populations, pollinate flowers, and spread seeds that help our environment thrive.

Along with other phenomenal dedicated shelters, rescuers and carers worldwide, Little Wing Bat Haven is dedicated to protecting and caring for these misunderstood mammals. Through education and rehabilitation we strive to raise awareness about the importance of bats and their conservation.

Let's spread love and appreciation for bats and continue to work together to secure a bright and thriving future for these incredible creatures ❤️🦇

14/04/2024

WOW 🦇 WOW 🦇 WOW 🦇🦇

Absolutely blown away by this amazingly thoughtful gift from Ellie! Not only has she assisted in helping some Microbats, she generously gifted us this stunning custom piece by Portraits by Danielle Ruth

We are absolutely blown away and are so thankful for such a beautiful gift- thank you so much Ellie ❤️

We don’t have a pool room, so it’s gone straight to the bat room 🤪

08/04/2024

TFW it’s time to go home after summer camp and you get one last photo with all your new mates.

Farewell and good luck to this seasons Gould’s Wattled Bats. Some have been in rehabilitation with us for a while and we are so thrilled they are all returning to their homes in the wild ❤️

Fly on 🦇

05/04/2024

Microbats use echolocation to hunt prey, but they also have social chatter. These vocalisations can be heard by the human ear (as apposed to echolocation) and certainly make for some interesting listening.

There is still much research to be done about bats, currently their social calls are known to deter predators, repel competitors from foraging patches, attract group mates to roost sites, coordinate foraging activities and are used during courtship.

The audio in this video captures the social chatter of some the Microbats we have in care currently in our rehabilitation flight tent ❤️🦇

02/04/2024

The Microbats here are currently in their last stages of rehabilitation before going home to the wild. We have minimal contact with them now as they stay in the purpose built flight enclosure outside. Popping in to do checks and cleaning can sometimes lead to adorable little interactions ❤️🦇

~Female Lesser Long-eared Bat

30/03/2024

We hope you were all visited by the very real and definitely not photoshopped Batbit 🦇🐰

25/03/2024

Basic pain management and a humane end to life is not a big ask. It should be a basic right for any living thing and we will always stand alongside Microbats of Melbourne and urge you all to do the same and sign the linked petition.

Bats deserve better.

25/03/2024

✨Microbat magic ✨

Microbats have fantastic healing abilities- this adult Little Forest Bat has grown back a huge part of his wing in just 7 weeks in care!

🦇 Please note- we are vaccinated, trained & a registered bat shelter. Never handle a bat, always call your nearest wildlife rescue for assistance.

Donations can now be made via PayPal through our partnership with Rescue to Release Inc.!
Any contributions of $2 or more are tax deductible-
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UHLQ2PS57R9NE

21/03/2024

Each DAY in Australia cats are killing over 3.1 million mammals, 1.8 million reptiles and 1.3 million birds.
Just roaming pet cats kill 546 million animals per year- this has major implications for wildlife and ecosystems.

This week we have had a number of cat attacks come into care that could have all been easily avoided. All cases suffered multiple broken bones, some had large body punctures and one had its skin completely torn off the muscle. Not one of these bats got the happy ending they deserve.

In our area, the Bass Coast Shire Council has a 24/7 cat property containment curfew- these attacks should simply not be happening. Wherever you are, please contain your cat- studies show they live longer so you’ll have your beloved pet for longer plus you’ll be saving many, many native lives. We highly recommend catnets.com.au if you would like to built a new run for your cat.

If you live in the Bass Coast and have any issues with roaming cats, please contact the council on 1300 226 278.

We grieve for the bats we could not save, we’re sorry humans continually let you down.
Wildlife deserves better.

Sources:
•Cats in Australia: Companion and killer via CSIRO Publishing
•Invasive Species Council

Photo credit: Department of Conservation, New Zealand- feral cat and the contents of its stomach; 107 bats.

20/12/2023

Recently Microbats of Melbourne took a photo of pup tootsies that we are pretty certain has won the internet.

We can’t compete with that perfection so just made a whole heap of memes about it instead ❤️🦇