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Protecting microbats
PhD environmental science researcher Leroy Gonsalves, 23, is investigating the food of the tiny bats, which range in size from 3 to 40 grams, many of which are classed as vulnerable species.
“Microbats are a lot smaller than most other bats,” Leroy said. “They feed on insects. I’ve been extracting DNA from bat scats to determine whether or not the microbats feed on mosquitoes. Spraying saltmarshes to lower mosquito numbers may impact upon the diet of the threatened bats.”
Leroy has been studying environmental science on the North Sydney Campus (MacKillop) since 2004, and has chosen to specialise in the subject in order to pursue a future as a research scientist.
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