Arabic version: غواصو الكهوف يتعقبون خفافيش الأشباح بعد فيضانات كوينزلاند

According to ABC News, researchers, traditional owners and cave divers are investigating whether an endangered ghost bat colony survived flooding that inundated the Camooweal cave network in Queensland in 2023. The caves lie about two hours north of Mount Isa, in country of significance to Indjalandji-Dhidhanu traditional owner Ian Saltmere.

Floodwaters filled the underground network, raising fears the isolated colony had been wiped out. Preliminary testing from a research project coordinated by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has confirmed the bats likely survived. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service senior conservation officer John Augusteyn said small pockets of air deep in the caves may have enabled the animals to endure until water levels receded.

The findings also point to a declining population with low genetic diversity. Mr Augusteyn said there would be no chance of recolonisation if the colony became extinct. Ghost bats are listed as endangered and have declined in range and numbers, while cane toads, mining development and cave disturbances have left many former roosts empty.

To assess the colony, lead cave diver Grant Pearce has been collecting bat droppings and prey samples. Researchers are using environmental DNA, known as eDNA, to estimate the number of bats, examine what they eat and investigate whether they are pregnant. The work requires abseiling into hot cave galleries, where temperatures in the surrounding landscape regularly reach 40 degrees Celsius.

Researchers and rangers are due to return in the new year to complete surveys and DNA collection before the wet season limits access. Questions including where and when the bats breed remain unresolved. More information on breeding patterns is expected in late 2027, with the aim of improving management of the isolated population.