Microbats The Little Guys

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2 Microbats The Little Guys In China, Bats are symbols of good fortune and happiness. Over 20% of the earth s mammals are bat. There are approx 40 species of bat found in SE Qld (5 known traditionally as megabats) Microbats are small, active and carnivorous. Microbats use echolocation to to navigate, check their flight speed and locate their prey. Can eat up to 50% of their own bodyweight per night in insects (i.e. Up to 600 mosquitoes in half an hour).

3 Microbats There are no Vampire bats in Australia It is important to recognise differences between each species as they have vastly different rehabilitation needs and release considerations. Learn some basics does it have an enclosed tail, freetail or sheathtail, its f/a, weight, the nose and ear shape will all help you to identify your rescued microbat. They can go into torpor when it gets cold or food is scarce (drop their core body temperature and lower their heart beat) to conserve their energy in colder areas some even go into hibernation during winter. Microbats live in a large variety of environments depending on species. From caves, to ceiling spaces, under bark, in folds of canvas, unused coats, etc, and even in dog kennels.

4 More Microbats Goulds Wattle Eastern Horseshoe Bat Baby Eastern Freetail Bat

5 Why microbats come into care Cat attack I didn t do it, I wasn t there, and you can t prove it. 9 out of 10 cat owners say their cat did not do it. If you suspected cat attack take it straight to a vet for treatment and medication. If you can t get it straight to a vet cleanse wounds with Betadine, rehydrate, keep warm and offer food once they are rehydrated. If a microbat survives longer than 3 days after cat attack they will often make it. However, many do not. OTHER REASONS: Collision (concussion) Loss of Habitat Spider Webs Sticky Insect Traps/fly paper Waterlogged Young (pups) and old. Trapped Indoors Heat Exhaustion Low Humidity Storms Animal attack

6 Microbat Rescue and Care Little Bentwing Bat All 6 grams of him Rescue equipment: PPE Gloves Small bag or cloth Rubber band or bulldog clip Small net with long handle. Safety pin Carry basket or box with lid A pillowcase A rubber Hot water bottle/heat pad Syringe with water Care equipment Mealworm container Mesh Vivarium Syringes (small) Tweezers (for feeding) Catheter (for milk feeding tube) Shallow dishes (for mealworms & water) Neoprin gloves

7 AFTER THE RESCUE THE ASSESSMENT Once safely back in your car this is where you can do an initial assessment Using a soft cloth hold the bat firmly but gently and give it a quick look over, uncovering one part at a time. Is the bat bleeding Are the wings damaged. Is the head tilted to one side Is it moving, feel cold or warm Does it appear to be in pain is it hunched up Are its eyes bright, dull or closed. Place the bat back into the carry bag and place in box for transport make sure it is warm not hot. Are its eyes bright, dull or closed. Place the bat back into the carry bag and place in box for transport make sure it is warm not hot. Ring the Microbat CoOrdinator now. Further assessment may need to be done by a Vet or transported to a carer.

8 Hydration - Micros Most microbats coming into care will be suffering a degree of dehydration they dehydrate quickly without access to food or water. Offer water orally after rescue using a syringe. (as per photo) All microbats coming into care should be rehydrated by a subcutaneous (SQ) injection as soon as possible to offset death or damage to their internal organs. Subcutaneous (SQ) should only be done by you if you have been trained to do so. (Re-hydrate at 10% body weight per day (half in the first injection the rest in the first 24hrs they may need further over the coming days) Always ensure microbat and fluids are warmed (to body temperature) before administering SQ DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FEED UNTIL REHYDRATED.

9 Lets do a quick assessment Using a soft cloth and wearing PPE hold the bat firmly and check the basics. Try to keep their feet anchored To extend the wing hold it gently by the wrist and pull it out gently DO NOT FORCE IT OPEN Check for tears or holes, broken/swollen fingers, bruising A more thorough examination can only be done under anaesthetic by a Vet.

10 Feeding What do they eat in care Mealworms (not native food) Blended mix (Recipe used is found in - Introduction to the Care & Rehabilitation of Microbats Wildcare Australia INC) Any other live insects you can catch (by hand or Bug Trap). Feeding blended food Lifestages of Tenebrio molitor the humble mealworm DO NOT FEED THE BEETLE TO THE BAT IT IS POISONOUS & SHOULD ALSO BE REMOVED FROM THE MEDIUM

11 Feeding Always offer water at beginning and end of feed. Feed once per day at night (unless sick or babies). Bat should be kept warm. Do not attempt to feed a cold bat. Don t force feed An adult will eat as much as it wants and then simply refuse. You may have to remove the head of the mealworm and offer the viscera only. Always clean their face after feeds of blended food if adults (or milk if babies).

12 Extra Microbat Notes The previous slides generally refer to most Adult Microbats encountered in this area. Your Microbat Coordinator needs to be consulted/advised when you rescue a microbat. Any suspected Cat Attacks need to be taken to a Vet asap for treatment. Cat teeth puncture and tear. PPE is to worn and care taken when handling any bat. Be aware that the Yellow-bellied Sheathtailed microbat (See photo) has shown to have an abnormally high prevalence of ABLV in this species 76%, compared to < 1% in flying-foxes. These bats are usually easy to handle and quite docile.

13 Unless you have attended a microbat specific workshop on care and rehab (and have the appropriate equipment ) the bat must be handed on to a carer or Vet as directed by your Microbat CoOrdinator or your Rescue Phone Operator.