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Woody weed funding available for micro bat habitat

Do you own land in South-West Victoria? It may be essential feeding habitat for critically endangered Southern Bent-wing Bats.

The Southern Bent-wing Bat is a tiny native bat which lives in caves near Portland.

Glenelg Hopkins CMA Senior Biodiversity Officer, Robert Gibson, said this micro-bat is just five centimetres long, weighs 15 grams and relies predominantly on moths for food.   

Unfortunately, native bushland areas where moths live are being threatened by invasive woody weeds such as Italian Buckthorn (pictured) and Sweet Pittosporum.  These weeds compete with native bushland and threaten to reduce the availability of moths for the bats.

Sweet Pittosporum is often used in gardens and is a native plant, however, not in this region.

The Glenelg Hopkins CMA is offering support to landholders who would like to reduce woody weeds that threaten bushland on their property and improve food availability for Southern Bent-wing Bats with funding available through the CMA thanks to funding from the Victoria Government’s Nature Fund.

Landowners within the Portland region identified in the map area below who would like support with controlling woody weeds within areas of bushland on their property are encouraged to contact Robert Gibson at the Glenelg Hopkins CMA on 0434 936 168 or r.gibson@ghcma.vic.gov.au

Expressions of interest will close 29 February 2024.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE: WOODY WEED REMOVAL FOR TINY BAT HABITAT

Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority proudly acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Victoria and their rich cultural diversity and intrinsic connection to country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We also recognise and acknowledge the contribution, interest and rights that Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities have in land and water management. We value our partnerships with them, for the health of people and Country.