Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park: Bat Cave

While we sleep they stir, a seething mass of life in the depths of the Naracoorte Caves in the upper South East of South Australia. This is the Bat Cave, it's got nothing to do with Hollywood, but the script is fascinating nonetheless. During summer, up to four hundred thousand Bent Winged bats call this cave home and when they emerge from its depths during the wee small hours, together they'll consume up to three thousand kilograms of insects in a night. Ranger Steve Borne ventures in here on rare occasions because this a special place. It is the largest breeding cave for Bent Wing bats in Australia. "Its about 150 metres below the surface and about 98 percent humidity in here." Normally Steve monitors their progress from these remote control cameras placed strategically throughout the cave to cause minimal disturbance. But sometimes they need cleaning. "Ok down we go but be prepared to sweat." And that means Steve must make his way into the furthest reaches of the maternity chamber. The last time he did he took some dramatic pictures. For years, the droppings from these bats known as guano, was used as farm fertiliser, sustaining an entire industry but this was prior to the development of superphosphate. Now the bats are again left in relative peace and their numbers are on the increase. As Steve monitors their progress on all five bat channels, we begin to learn more about a mammal who's reach extends up the east coast and across into Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. As winter approaches many will begin to make their way up North but not before they've had a good look around Naracoorte and the South East. While the interior of the Bat Cave is off limits to the public, the Teleview Centre is open daily. Its all part of the Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park. For more information you can phone the Park on 08 8762 2340 or email: info@postcards.sa.com.au