Australasian Bat of the Year 2026
Whether it’s a critically endangered cave-dwelling bat, a common species that has adapted to city living, or one of only two bats remaining in their country, we recognize the intrinsic value of all bat species. Each plays a vital ecological role in our natural environment and holds an important place in this region’s natural heritage.
In 2025 you voted for the Christmas Island Flying-fox (Pteropus melanotus natalis) as the winner, join us in celebrating the diversity of bats and raising awareness of their important ecological and cultural value throughout our region!
In 2025 you voted for the Christmas Island Flying-fox (Pteropus melanotus natalis) as the winner, join us in celebrating the diversity of bats and raising awareness of their important ecological and cultural value throughout our region!
This year there will be 3 rounds-
Week 1: 5th-10th of October: Australian Yinpterochiroptera
Week 2: 12th-17th of October: Australian Yangochiroptera (CURRENT ROUND!)
Week 3: 19th-24th of October: Australasian bats outside of Australia.
Week 4: 26th-29th of October: The finals- top 3 from each week will go to the final
31st of October- The winner of Australasia's Bat Of The Year for 2026 will be announced
Week 1: 5th-10th of October: Australian Yinpterochiroptera
Week 2: 12th-17th of October: Australian Yangochiroptera (CURRENT ROUND!)
Week 3: 19th-24th of October: Australasian bats outside of Australia.
Week 4: 26th-29th of October: The finals- top 3 from each week will go to the final
31st of October- The winner of Australasia's Bat Of The Year for 2026 will be announced
Special thanks to Karly Fowler Mixed Arts for our amazing logo which highlights a Little Red Flying-fox (Pteropus scapulatus), a Southern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus orianae bassanii), and New Zealand's Lesser Short-tailed Bat (Mystacina tuberculata).
Thank you to all the photographers who have generously shared their images for this competition.
Their contribution makes the event possible, so please take a moment to show your appreciation and follow their work:
Steve Parish, Jasmine Vink, Jannico Kelk, George Madani, Lindy Lumsden, Ian Davidson-Watts and Lisa Cawthen.
Thank you to all the photographers who have generously shared their images for this competition.
Their contribution makes the event possible, so please take a moment to show your appreciation and follow their work:
Steve Parish, Jasmine Vink, Jannico Kelk, George Madani, Lindy Lumsden, Ian Davidson-Watts and Lisa Cawthen.
Week 2: Australian Yangochiroptera
Voting is open 12th-17th of October 2026.
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Location: Northern half of Australia (NSW, QLD, NT & WA)
Weight: 11- 19.5 grams Forearm: 35- 40 mm Image: Steve Parish |
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Location: NT, QLD & WA
Weight: 19-51 grams Forearm length: 66- 74 mm Image: Steve Parish |
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Location: Eastern Australia (ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC)
Weight: Females: 9- 15 grams, males: 9- 11 grams Forearm length: 34.5- 38.9 mm Image: Steve Parish |
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Location: North Australia (QLD & NT)
Weight: 3 -6 grams Forearm length: 29.8- 32.5 mm Image: Steve Parish |
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Conservation status: Vulnerable
Location: Eastern Australia (NSW, QLD & VIC) Weight: 5- 9.3 grams Forearm length: 34- 40 mm Image: Steve Parish
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Location: Australia wide Weight: 7- 20 grams Forearm: 35.5- 47.2 mm Image: George Madani
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Location: NT, SA & WA Weight: 20-25 grams Forearm length: 63- 72 mm Image: Steve Parish
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Location: East and South Australia ( ACT, NSW, SA, TAS, VIC) Weight: 2.6- 5.5 grams Forearm length: 26- 31 mm Image: George Madani
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Location: Tasmania
Weight: Females: 13.5- 17.5 grams, males: 13- 17 grams Forearm length: 41- 48.5 mm Image: Lisa Cawthen |
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Location: Australia wide (excluding far north)
Weight: Females 32- 48 grams, males 26- 35 grams Forearm length: 57- 65 mm Image: Steve Parish |
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