The biology, origin and adaptation of the miniopterus australis (Chiroptera) in new south wales

Abstract

The biology of Miniopterus australis was investigated in north-eastern New South Wales (latitude c. 30°S) between 1960 and 1966. In this area the species reaches the southern limit of its distribution and is largely confined to the subtropical coastal belt. Mating occurs in the winter months June and July, and is followed by a period of retarded embryonic development to mid-September. Births occur in December. The only nursery colony of M. australis located was that of the southernmost population of the species. It included about 4000 individuals (approximately 1800 young) in December and was intimately associated with a much larger nursery colony of M. schreibersii. A comparison of the wint..