By
Andrew Stackpool
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Bats
have caused significant damage to trees that line the accommodation
area at RAAF Base Tindal, with this tree succumbing to the
extra weight imposed by the bats.
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A
typical example of the huge numbers of bats that have literally
covered the skyline at RAAF Base Tindal. Measures such as
lopping and pruning of trees have been undertaken to preserve
them and also prevent the bats from nesting.
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AN
invasion of tens of thousands Red Wing Bats has caused health
and safety concerns at RAAF Base Tindal.
The bats arrived in July and settled in trees around the entrance,
along the main road towards the base operational and flying areas,
Tindal childcare centre, preschool, swimming pool, living-in accommodation
and housing.
The bats, which were breeding, damaged and destroyed many of the
ornamental trees because of their sheer weight of numbers, while
their droppings and rancid smell became a significant environmental
and pollution problem.
More importantly was the risk of the potentially fatal lyssavirus
that may be carried by the bats, as well as other infections if
children tried to pat the bats or were scratched.
There was a potentially serious risk to aircraft, aircrews and
air operations from possible collisions, as well as impact on
the operational effectiveness of the base. There was even a danger
to passers-by from falling damaged branches.
The concern for base residents and also the bats led to liaison
with Defence environmental and health experts and the NT Parks
and Wildlife Service to resolve the problem.
Base Commander Wing Commander Steve Hart said owing to the immediate
threat to the health of children in the child care centre it was
decided the bats should be encouraged to move on as safely as
possible.
“We were advised that noise and movement would not cause
major harm to the bats. Accordingly, a SAR helicopter was launched
and carefully manoeuvred above the creatures. We continued this
over three days,” WGCDR Hart said.
Large numbers of the bats vacated their perches and flew away.
Unfortunately, a small number of smaller and baby bats were unable
to fly properly and died. Others that were injured were collected
and handed to wildlife carers who worked at the base for rehabilitation
and subsequent release.
Some 30 damaged trees had to be lopped and pruned in an attempt
to preserve them as well as deprive any returning bats of potential
nesting sites.
Thousands of bats from the colonies have so far resisted attempts
to move. These have taken up residence around the pool and gymnasium
complexes and married quarters.
“We can’t use the gym, oval and pool because of the
stench and the contamination,” WGCDR Hart said. “Also,
people can’t even go out and work in or enjoy their gardens”.
Options to resolve the problem are being explored, including developing
longer-term management strategies to miminise the impact of any
future invasion at the base.
