Microbats are small, nocturnal, flying mammals that consume many many insects, including mosquitos and 17 species are found in the Eurobodalla.
The local WIRES branch got a call to rescue a Lesser Long Eared Bat after a lady noticed a young magpie harassing a small creature on the ground. That’s how ‘Stevie’ came into care. He soon developed a black eye from his ordeal which was treated by his carer, using a very fine paint brush to apply the ointment.
Stevie also had a problem with one wing limiting his movement, so was kept in a special small indoor aviary with a heat pad and draped polar fleece suspended to tuck into. He was hand fed initially because of the tenderness caused by the bruising. He quickly adapted to eating mealworms by himself.
When Stevie was well enough be entered his final stage of rehabilitation and went into a large specially designed aviary to help develop his wing muscles and coordination again, ready for release.
Lucky for Stevie and all microbats, they are protected, meaning it is illegal to injure or kill them or to disturb or damage their roosts. Many species are Vulnerable, meaning they are at risk of extinction if their habitat is not protected.
All bats, including microbats and flying foxes must be handled by a trained and vaccinated WIRES volunteer. If u find one in distress please call WIRES on 1300 094 737.
(Please support the local WIRES branch by choosing to donate at the return and earn machines in Catalina, Moruya and Narooma)
Photo: Janet Jones
