Two Sydney landmarks join forces to protect urban wildlife

This March, 2 of Sydney’s most recognisable landmarks will take part in a performance unlike any other. The Sydney Opera House and the Botanic Gardens of Sydney will participate in recording a silent symphony of ultrasonic bat calls, sounds beyond human hearing, providing important information for the conservation of threatened bat species.

Compact devices called AudioMoths will be installed across the Sydney Opera House precinct – including atop the sails – as well as at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the Domain. These devices will capture bat calls and movement patterns, providing valuable insights into how light, noise and city structures influence bat activity in the heart of the city.

Running over one week and coinciding with Earth Hour on 28 March 2026, the survey offers a rare opportunity to observe how bats respond to reduced artificial lighting, helping researchers better understand bat behaviour in a low light urban environment.

Why insectivorous bats matter

Did you know a single insectivorous bat can eat hundreds of insects in one night? At barely the size of your clenched fist, these small but mighty creatures help control pests and support biodiversity. Yet many insectivorous bat species are under threat from habitat loss, pesticides, predators and climate change.

The Saving our Species’ Bats in Backyards initiative empowers landholders and communities across New South Wales to monitor and protect these species, and now thanks to this partnership we’re able to collect data in the heart of Sydney.

Working together for nature

The collaborations between Saving our Species, the Sydney Opera House and the Botanic Gardens of Sydney bring culture, conservation, nature and engagement together. These 2 popular Sydney landmarks are helping us better understand our important insect-eating bat species and how they exist across Sydney’s natural landscapes.

But conservation isn’t just for scientists; it’s for everyone. During the survey in March, visitors to the Sydney Opera House precinct will find a dedicated information sign,  from which they can learn more about insect-eating bats and the Bats in Backyards citizen science program by scanning the QR code. From the Opera House steps and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to gardens all over New South Wales, every backyard, big or small, can help protect threatened species.

Creative partnerships amplify conservation

This initiative acts as a reminder that biodiversity isn’t just found in remote wilderness; it shares a home with us, in the busiest corners of our cities.

By working together, we’re showing that conservation starts in our own backyards and, sometimes, in the most iconic backyards of all.

Bats in Backyards is further supported by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, which provides Saving our Species with critical data analysis and research.

Get your backyard involved

We’re looking for more partners to support Bats in Backyards in communities across New South Wales.

If this story has inspired you or you’re interested in your organisation getting involved, start a conversation about conservation with us today.