4.5.1.4 Ghost bat – likely to occur The ghost bat ( Macroderma gigas) is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC and endangered under the NC Act. The current distribution of the ghost bat ( Macroderma gigas ) is highly fragmented, with geographically isolated populations recorded across the Pilbara, Kimberley, northern Northern Territory, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and along coastal and near-coastal areas of eastern Queensland from Cape York to near Rockhampton, as well as in western Queensland (TSSC, 2016a). Genetic studies indicate minimal to no movement between these population centres. Ghost bats inhabit a diverse range of environments, from the arid desert to tropical savanna woodlands and rainforests. During the day, they roost in caves, rock crevices, and abandoned mines, favouring deep caves or disused mines that provide stable microclimatic conditions (TSSC, 2016a). Seasonal movement between caves is common, driven by changing climatic conditions. Breeding sites are generally located in caves with multiple entrances, which are preferred for their microhabitat stability and security. A notable permanent ghost bat colony exists at Mt Etna, approximately 53 km north of the project area. This site is recognised as a key regional maternity roost (Bat Call WA, 2023). Although the Commonwealth’s conservation advice does not formally define habitat critical to the species’ survival (HCSS), the Review of Ghost Bat Ecology, Threats and Survey Requirements (Bat Call WA, 2023), prepared for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, identifies four categories of roosting habitat: • Category 1 – Maternity/diurnal roosts with permanent occupancy (considered HCSS) • Category 2 – Maternity/diurnal roosts with regular occupancy (considered HCSS) • Category 3 – Diurnal roosts with occasional occupancy (considered HCSS only if near a Category 2 roost) • Category 4 – Nocturnal roosts with opportunistic use (not considered HCSS) Based on preliminary results from Anabat analysis, the tunnel within the project area is likely to fall within Category 3 or 4. In either case, it is not considered habitat critical to the species’ survival. Given the proximity and ecological importance of the Mt Etna maternity colony, it is unlikely that the tunnel within the project area functions as a maternity roost. While ghost bats may use the tunnel sporadically for diurnal roosting outside the breeding season, such use would be occasional and opportunistic. Consequently, the tunnel does not qualify as critical habitat for the species. This carnivorous bat forages for small mammals (such as other bats), birds, reptiles, frogs, and large insects using a surface foraging strategy where it perches in vegetation to ambush or gleans the ground while in flight (TSSC 2016a). Both male and female bats have been recorded foraging up to 12 km from their diurnal roost, with round trips of up to 30 km being recorded (Bat Call WA, 2023). The closest historical records of the species are located approximately 17 km north of the project area, dating back to 1994 (DETSI, 2025). Due to their broad hunting methods, all vegetation within REs 11.10.2, 11.10.4 and 11.12.6 within the project area has been considered suitable foraging habitat for the species (Figure 4.9.). The Upper Mundic Gully dam tunnel entrance was considered potentially suitable roosting habitat for the species (Plate 4-12). Potentially suitable foraging habitat occurs across three REs within project area. Suitable habitat for the ghost bat is shown in Figure 4.9. The species was not detected during the field surveys. Due to the species’ quiet echolocation, this absence of calls does not definitively confirm ghost bats are absent from the tunnel (Westerhuis, 2025). Known roosts occur at Mt Etna, approximately 53 km north of the project area and given their sustainable flight speed of 33 km/h individuals could potentially forage within the project area (Westerhuis, 2025). The presence of other cave-roosting bats suggests the tunnel provides suitable roosting habitat. Modification of foraging habitat is considered a moderate threat to the species (TSSC, 2016). If foraging habitat is likely to be impacted, additional survey methods, such as call playback paired with thermal cameras, are recommended to improve detection confidence (Westerhuis, 2025). The ghost bat is likely to occur within the project area and across the broader landscape for foraging or roosting purposes.
GHD | Heritage Minerals Pty Ltd | 12626510 | Heritage Minerals Mount Morgan 49 This document is in form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this document.
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