Observations of a large colony of bats roosting in a church

Abstract

The nightly and seasonal activity patterns of a large colony of bats roosting in a country church are described. In summer 400–700 bats from two species – southern freetail bat (Mormopterus sp. 4) and chocolate wattled bat (Chalinolobus morio) – left the roost beginning around civil twilight. Bats emerged at a rate of up to 40–50 min–1, and took 30 min or longer to clear the roost.