A keystone animal in our backyard

What do spotted gum, ironbark and messmate have in common?

They are all hardwood trees that flower at night and depend on flying foxes for survival to pollinate their flowers and spread their seeds. Flying foxes are a migratory, nomadic "keystone" species, which means that many other plants and animals rely on them for their survival and wellbeing.

Not only do we depend on flying fox pollinators for our hardwood floors, but koalas and Greater Gliders also depend on the trees that flying foxes pollinate for food and shelter. Without these magnificent hardwoods there wouldn’t be fabulous native forests for us to enjoy or habitat for our native birds.

Unfortunately, many roosts and major feeding sites have been destroyed in the past by building development. This has marginalised flying fox populations in the Sunshine Coast to the point where they have fewer sites that are safe to roost in. It is estimated that as many as 50% of individuals in a roost each night are transient which means they may only be there for one night before moving on.

Flying foxes have a poor reputation in urban areas, but if left undisturbed they are generally fairly quiet during much of the breeding season. The noise levels do change in March/April when many of the young have become more independent and it is mating season. However, when they are stressed or frightened, they make a lot more noise.

There was an episode in Witta last year when all the Grey Headed flying foxes became very agitated and noisy. When we looked up we realised that they were concerned about a Wedge-Tailed Eagle that was flying low over their roosting site. This site has also been visited on numerous occasions by Sea Eagles, Goshawks and other smaller birds of prey. Over 25 non-predatory bird species have also been sited feeding under and around their roost in Witta.

All flying foxes and their roosting habitat are protected in Queensland under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Help injured flying foxes by avoiding contact and calling trained and vaccinated wildlife rescue professionals on 1300 ANIMAL (264 625).

Phone 5494 3151