The Biology and Conservation of Australasian Bats follows from the successful 3-day forum of the same name held in April 2007 at the Australian Museum. The forum was organised jointly by the Royal Zoological Society of NSW and the Australasian Bat Society.

In contrast to Europe and North America, where the small insectivorous bats (microbats) comprise the entire bat fauna, Australasia also has a diverse suite of flying-foxes and blossom bats (megabats). This book is aimed at highlighting the diversity, complexity and conservation of these nocturnal mammals. The initial set of participants in the forum comprised bat experts from across Australasia, with several overseas visitors also contributing to increasing knowledge on Australasian bats. Mark Brigham also adds an international dimension in his foreword.