The Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (PWCNT) is celebrating National Bat month by hosting a community Bat Night at Simpsons Gap.

Everyone is invited to attend Bat Night on the evening of March 17, dedicated to these amazing flying nocturnal mammals.

PWCNT Community Engagement Officer, Susie Armes said the event is a chance during Australasian Bat Month for Centralians to discover more about local bat species.

“Some people may be out camping or lying in bed and not know that thousands of bats are flying over their head every night,” Ms Armes said.

“As the sun sets, bats start flying out from roosts in caves, tree hollows and rock faces. Bats are extraordinary mammals, nocturnal (active at night) and use high frequency waves, or echolocation, to move around the environment and find food.”

Bat Night is aimed at all ages and will provide awareness and education about these fascinating creatures, highlight local species and bat conservation in general.

“Many species of microbats are native to Central Australia, but only some species have calls that are audible to the human ear. Bat Night will give the public an opportunity to learn about these species and others that lurk in the dark.”

Families are encouraged to come down with children of all ages to listen like a bat, create your own bat man mask and learn more about the flying mammals of the night skies.

“This night is for all ages, with children’s activities from 5pm and an information talk from 6:30pm. Attendees will need to bring along a torch, a chair or rug to sit on for the presentation and wear enclosed shoes.”

At 6:30pm, Erin Westerhuis, PhD student at Charles Darwin University will be providing a talk about Central Australian microbat species and her research on Microbat habitat. Following this Erin will show participants some prime microbat habitat. This is an opportunity not to be missed.

Bat Night will be held at the School Campground area of Simpsons Gap in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park on Friday 17 March from 5pm

This event is free and registration is NOT required. For more information contact Susie Armes on 8951 8247 or email susie.armes@nt.gov.au 

Media note – For further information/interviews please contact Susie Armes on 8957 8247