Southern bent-wing bat population decline in Australia

Scientists have documented a concerning decline in the critically endangered southern bent-wing bat population, with approximately 5,000 fewer individuals recorded at Naracoorte's key maternity site this summer—representing a drop of up to 16%. The sudden decrease has alarmed experts, though the cause remains unknown. These small insectivorous bats, which roost in caves across south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia, play an important ecological role in their region.