MACRODERMA GIGAS

The ghost bat (Macroderma gigas) is, paradoxically, one of the two largest micro-bat species in the world. In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the already endangered cave- dwelling bat is further threatened by mining operations. Scientists funded by a collaboration between Perth Zoo, mining companies and graziers are currently building and installing artificial bat roosts to replace caves likely to be damaged by excavations. CREDIT: AUSCAPE / UIG