Bats and Other Fauna in Disused Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel Nests

Abstract

SummaryFive thousand, one hundred and seventy-five disused Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel nests in road culverts were investigated in eastern Queensland and far northeastern New South Wales to determine the importance of this potential shelter resource to other fauna. Eight species of bats were located at a detection rate of 3.9 individuals per 100 nests. The two most frequently located species were Myotis spp. and Vespadelus troughtoni accounting for 83.3% of bats located. The rare Chalinolobus dwyeri was found in three culverts in south-eastern Queensland. Seven species of reptile were located at an incidence rate of 0.71 individuals per 100 nests, with Gehyra dubia accounting for 64.9%. Three species of amphibians were found, all in the family Hylidae, at a detection rate of 0.5 individuals per 100 nests. Two species of birds, Pardalotus striatus and Hirundo neoxena, were recorded nesting in disused H. ariel nests. The relative importance of H. ariel nests as a shelter resource could not be assessed, since no comparative data was collected on occupancy rates in other shelter sites.