The Lunar Cycle Influences Time of Roost Departure in The Common Blossom Bat, Syconycteris australis.

Abstract

Observations of radio-tagged Common Blossom Bats Syconycteris australis on the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland indicate that the time of departure from roost areas is related to the lunar cycle. During the dark phase of the moon, bats leave their roost between 5-20 mins after dark. Departure times are delayed up to 4 hrs between the period of the first quarter and full moon when the moon is bright after dusk. The predatory role of owls at night is suggested as the probable cause of this behavioural change.