FLYING FOXES

Across the diverse and sprawling landscapes of Australia, the skies are animated by the graceful flights of megabats, affectionately known as flying-foxes. These placental mammals, with a diet consisting mainly of fruit and nectar, play a crucial role in the balance of nature.

In Australia, several species of flying-foxes can be found, each adapted to the unique conditions of their habitats. Among the most commonly encountered are the Black flying-fox and the Grey-headed flying-fox, both of which are remarkable for their considerable size. The Little red flying-fox, though smaller in stature, is equally important. This species is known for its nomadic lifestyle, moving across the country in response to the flowering cycles of native trees.

As dusk cloaks the Australian sky, the flying-foxes leave their daytime roosts, embarking on foraging trips that may extend up to 50 km. They navigate through the twilight, seeking out the richest fruits and the sweetest nectar, only to return to their communal camps as dawn approaches.

The social structure of these nocturnal creatures is ever-changing, with colonies shifting based on seasonal food availability and the demands of their breeding season.

The ecological contributions of flying-foxes are profound. As they travel from blossom to blossom, pollen adheres to their fur, facilitating the pollination of a myriad of plant species. Some flora, particularly those shrouded within the dense rainforest, depend exclusively on flying-foxes for their continued existence. Thus, these bats are essential in maintaining the health and diversity of Australia’s forests.

Beyond pollination, flying-foxes are also adept at seed dispersal. Their far-reaching flights allow seeds to be deposited well away from the parent plant, increasing the likelihood of seedling survival and contributing to the robustness of the ecosystem.

The reproductive cycle of these bats is as intriguing as their role in the environment. Typically, from October to December, flying-foxes give birth to live young. These pups emerge with fur and eyes wide open, ready to cling to their mothers during flight. In the warmth of their mother’s wings, they are sheltered and meticulously groomed, a testament to the nurturing instincts of these mammals.

After the initial six weeks, when the pups remain in the safety of the colony, they begin to explore and, at around 11 weeks old, they venture out with the adults, learning the art of flight and foraging.

Flying-foxes are considered a keystone species within Australia. They are critical to the survival of other species and ecosystems, particularly as primary colonizers in areas where rainforests have been disturbed. The seeds they disperse often lead to the growth of pioneer plants, which pave the way for other species to take root and thrive.

It’s estimated that a single flying-fox can disperse an astonishing 60,000 seeds over a 50 km range in just one night. This incredible feat underscores their status as vital pollinators of Australian hardwood trees, native palms, and rainforest trees.

Unique among mammals, bats are the only group capable of true flight. Flying-foxes, in particular, do not use echolocation; instead, they rely on their exceptional vision and olfactory senses to navigate and locate food. The similarities between their visual and neural pathways and those of primates are striking, as is the presence of a retractable tail bone in their embryos, hinting at an evolutionary link.

The intelligence of flying-foxes is yet another remarkable aspect, reinforcing the idea of a potential connection to primates. These sophisticated animals are an integral part of Australia’s natural heritage, embodying the complex interdependence of life within this vast continent.

What can you do to help:

Become active in protecting existing habitat from development.

Plant a habitat. Local native flowering & fruiting species can grow to produce in less than 3 years, and you’ll know you have made a personal difference to many native species living in your area.

Hundreds  of flying foxes die each year in the cruelest of circumstances due to barbed wire. We ask people to modify the fencing adjacent to these ‘hot spots’ by modifying those sections of fence in order to minimise the risk to wildlife.

If you find an injured bat, call your nearest Wildlife care organisation ASAP

PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH!

There is a very low risk of virus being transmitted from bats to humans but it is best not expose yourself unless you have been appropriately vaccinated.