Mt Etna bats put on one of nature’s most spectacular shows
Published Tuesday, 20 November, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
It is one of the ultimate eco-experiences – watching up to 180,000 little bent-winged bats fly from their roost at dusk.
The spectacular natural show occurs at Bat Cleft in Mt Etna Caves National Park 25km north of Rockhampton.
The Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, announced today that tours of the Bat Cleft at Mt Etna, led by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers, will begin on 1 December and continue until mid-February.
“The tours are proving to be a popular drawcard as participants watch in amazement as the tiny bats rush out in their thousands, flashing past as they fly out to feed.
“It’s an amazing experience, and one you’ll never forget.
“Bat Cleft is one of only five recorded little bent-winged bat maternity sites, and it accommodates 80 percent of the known Australian population of breeding females.”
Ranger-in-Charge, Scott Brook, said there’s no better place to see little bent-winged bats in flight.
“In a safety harness, your guide will lead you near the deep cleft to view the emerging bats more closely,” Mr Brook said.
“If you’re lucky, you might even see green tree frogs hanging from the cave walls to feed on any bats that fly too close.
“While the emergence flight may be the highlight, you will also come away with an understanding of the area’s wonderful plants and animals and the turbulent history of Mt Etna.”
The guided tour takes participants up Mt Etna through remnant dry rainforest, and then across the limestone karst to Bat Cleft.
The evening torchlight tours take approximately three hours. The 2.4km return track is steep and may be a little strenuous for unfit people. Children under 15 are welcome but must be under adult supervision.
Tours are conducted on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings but you should book early as numbers are limited.
The costs are: adults $8.00, children $4.00, pensioners $5.30 and family $24.10.
For bookings and information please contact the QPWS Rockhampton office on
(07) 4936 0511 during business hours.
Further information is also available on the EPA website at:
www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/mount_etna_caves_national_park/
Media contact:
Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Scott Brook: 4936 0595 / (0427) 101 659
The spectacular natural show occurs at Bat Cleft in Mt Etna Caves National Park 25km north of Rockhampton.
The Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, announced today that tours of the Bat Cleft at Mt Etna, led by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers, will begin on 1 December and continue until mid-February.
“The tours are proving to be a popular drawcard as participants watch in amazement as the tiny bats rush out in their thousands, flashing past as they fly out to feed.
“It’s an amazing experience, and one you’ll never forget.
“Bat Cleft is one of only five recorded little bent-winged bat maternity sites, and it accommodates 80 percent of the known Australian population of breeding females.”
Ranger-in-Charge, Scott Brook, said there’s no better place to see little bent-winged bats in flight.
“In a safety harness, your guide will lead you near the deep cleft to view the emerging bats more closely,” Mr Brook said.
“If you’re lucky, you might even see green tree frogs hanging from the cave walls to feed on any bats that fly too close.
“While the emergence flight may be the highlight, you will also come away with an understanding of the area’s wonderful plants and animals and the turbulent history of Mt Etna.”
The guided tour takes participants up Mt Etna through remnant dry rainforest, and then across the limestone karst to Bat Cleft.
The evening torchlight tours take approximately three hours. The 2.4km return track is steep and may be a little strenuous for unfit people. Children under 15 are welcome but must be under adult supervision.
Tours are conducted on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings but you should book early as numbers are limited.
The costs are: adults $8.00, children $4.00, pensioners $5.30 and family $24.10.
For bookings and information please contact the QPWS Rockhampton office on
(07) 4936 0511 during business hours.
Further information is also available on the EPA website at:
www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/mount_etna_caves_national_park/
Media contact:
Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Scott Brook: 4936 0595 / (0427) 101 659