Detections of the Eastern Tube-nosed Bat Nyctimene robinsoni in remnant and restored lowland subtropical rainforest vegetation of the former Big Scrub, north-eastern New South Wales

Acoustic surveys detected the Eastern Tube-nosed Bat Nyctimene robinsoni at 11 remnant and restoration sites of the former Big Scrub in north-eastern New South Wales, confirming the species’ south-eastern distributional limit and extending its known eastern limit. Bats were detected more than 25 km from core habitat in the Nightcap Range and within 4 km of the coast. Calling activity occurred year-round but was much higher in spring–summer than autumn–winter. Factors such as distance from core habitat, site area, forest age, and the presence of creeks did not appear to influence calling frequency. Instead, higher activity was associated with larger, better-connected areas of regenerated vegetation, while the lowest activity occurred at smaller, more isolated sites. The species’ presence at sites without apparent roosts demonstrated its ability to cross habitat gaps of up to 6 km over cleared land, macadamia plantations, and other unsuitable habitat. Calling frequencies suggested that roosts were established in some large remnants and older plantings closer to core habitat, while more distant sites were visited less regularly, particularly during autumn–winter. Dfferences in calling rates detected between sunrise, and sunset, and night recording sessions may reflect pre-roosting contact calling. The species was detected at all but one surveyed site, indicating significant recovery since the clearing of the Big Scrub in the early 20th century. This recovery has likely been supported by ecological restoration and revegetation efforts. We highlight the importance of habitat connectivity and suggest that continued restoration and plantings will further strengthen populations and consolidate the species’ recovery in this area.