Flying Foxes

Grey-headed Flying-fox

Species Overview:

The Grey-headed Flying-fox is Australia's largest bat, with a wingspan of up to 1 metre.
It has dark grey fur on its body, lighter grey fur on its head, and a russet collar around its neck.
It is a protected native species in Australia.

Ecological Importance:

This species plays a vital role in seed dispersal and pollination over large distances.
It supports the survival and genetic diversity of ecosystems such as eucalypt forests, rainforests, and wetlands.
It is considered a keystone species, critical to ecosystem health.

Conservation Status:

Listed as vulnerable in NSW in 2001 due to a population decline of up to 30% over the previous decade.

Behaviour and Habitat:

Flying-foxes roost in large groups (called camps) in trees during the day.
At night, they disperse to feed.
Camps may contain tens to thousands of individuals and are found in various locations.

Key Locations in Wollondilly:

Two main camps are located at Stonequarry Creek, Picton, and Scotcheys Creek, Silverdale.
Other camps exist on private land in Menangle and Camden.
Stonequarry Creek Camp is nationally significant for the conservation of the Grey-headed Flying-fox.

Community Challenges:

Proximity of camps to residential areas can create issues such as noise and odor for local communities.

It is an offence under State and Federal law to harm or disturb flying-foxes or their habitat without approval.

Efforts to relocate flying-foxes often face challenges because these animals are highly adaptable and tend to return to their original camps or establish new ones nearby. Disturbing them can lead to unintended consequences, such as increased noise or stress for both the bats and local residents. Managing their presence often requires careful planning and community engagement to balance conservation needs with local concerns. It’s a delicate situation that highlights the importance of protecting this vulnerable species while addressing the issues they may create in residential areas. Download information about Living Near Flying-foxes

Flying Foxes During Hot Weather

Grey-headed Flying-foxes are extremely susceptible to heat stress which can cause death when temperatures exceed 42°C, especially when subjected to consecutive extreme heat days. Visit our Handling and Disposing of Dead Flying-foxes page to find out how to correctly handle dead flying foxes.

What can we do?

Wollondilly Council has taken a balanced and regulated approach to address the challenges posed by flying-foxes in residential areas while ensuring their protection. Here's what can be done:

Council-Led Management:

The council holds a threatened species licence to manage flying-fox populations near homes.
Strict buffer works, including tree pruning or removal, and irrigation systems can be implemented at Stonequarry Creek and Scotcheys Creek camps under regulated conditions. For more details please view the Wollondilly Flying-fox Camp Management Plan 2024.
Council has also developed a Protocol for Flying-Fox Rescue during vegetation buffer works

Community Collaboration:

Residents can work closely with the council to address specific concerns within the boundaries of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Open communication is vital to balance the needs of the community and the protection of these vulnerable species.

Compliance with the Law:

Any actions undertaken to manage flying-foxes must adhere to the strict conditions outlined in the threatened species licence and the Flying-fox Camp Management Code of Practice 2018.
Breaching these conditions is considered an offence under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

By following these measures, both the local community and flying-foxes can coexist more sustainably. If you have concerns, please contact Council for guidance or support.

What are the impacts of flying foxes and how can I reduce them?

Flying-foxes can cause various impacts when living close to residential areas, including noise, odor, and concerns about health or property damage. However, there are safe and non-harmful ways to reduce their presence without disturbing them:

Create barriers: Use fencing or hedges with plants that don’t produce edible fruit or nectar-exuding flowers to block flying-fox activity.
Set predator decoys: Place fake predators, like owl figures, on verandas or in trees.
Trim habitat trees: Regularly prune trees that provide food or habitat to flying-foxes.
Use reflective deterrents: Hang items like CDs or aluminum foil strips in tree branches to discourage roosting.
Plan landscaping wisely: Avoid planting fruit or habitat trees near your home, or choose alternative plants.

It's essential to note that residents are prohibited from conducting removal or dispersal activities involving flying-foxes. Any disturbance to roosting colonies is illegal and could lead to prosecution under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Working with local councils and adhering to regulations ensures both the bats and the community coexist safely and sustainably.

Frequently asked questions about Flying-foxes.

Can I drink the water from my rainwater tank?

It is recommended to drink from town water supplies as much as possible and leave the tank water for the garden and flushing toilets etc. It also should be noted that is the responsibility of the owner to ensure rainwater collected is treated to a healthy standard prior to consumption.

Faecal contamination in rainwater tanks from wildlife is a known risk not just associated with flying foxes, but also birds, possums, and other animals. For households using rainwater for food preparation and drinking, the risk of getting a gastro illness from bat faeces is no different than for other animals. Australian Bat Lyssavirus cannot be contracted from drinking or using water from rainwater tanks that is contaminated with bat faeces.

To minimise the risk of faecal bacteria and other microorganisms contaminating your rainwater tank, here are some methods you can use:

Install a ‘first flush’ device that will divert the first dirty water flow away from the tank;
Clear and trim vegetation (eg. overhanging tree branches) away from awnings, gutters, and tanks to reduce accessibility from wildlife;
Install a <1mm screen to filter material entering the tank;
Regularly flush your tank to ‘de-sludge’ and remove accumulated debris;
Disinfect your tank (eg. add 40ml of sodium hypochlorite per 1KL of water);
Disinfect water prior to use through filtration and boiling;
Regularly inspect the tank for signs of animal access.

Visit his link to the NSW health website to find more advice on safely managing rainwater for drinking purposes where there is no alternate supply.

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/rainwater.aspx

Local water catchment

There is no evidence that a flying fox camp has any impact on publicly available drinking water provided by local authorities. The water continues to be treated and this eliminates any contamination from additional flying fox faeces in the catchment.

Can I get sick from Flying-foxes?

There have been cases that humans can get sick by having contact with flying foxes however it is very rare for this to occur.

The two main viruses associated with the flying foxes are the Lyssavirus and the Hendra virus.

Contact or exposures to bat faeces, urine or blood do not pose a risk of exposure to Lyssavirus, nor do living, playing or walking near bat roosting areas, and can only be contracted through bites or scratches.

Hendra virus has only been contracted through human contact with an infected horse. All confirmed human cases to date became infected following high level exposures to body fluids of an infected horse, such as doing autopsies on horses without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, or being extensively sprayed with respiratory secretions.

There is no evidence of human to human, bat to human, bat to dog, or dog to human transmission.

If any injured bats have been found please don't handle them, it is best to ring the local WIRES Volunteers on 4684 1656.

Managing the risk of Hendra Virus in horses.

What is Hendra virus?

"Hendra virus is a virus carried by flying foxes that inhabit Australia, Papua New Guinea, and surrounding islands. So far, clinical disease due to Hendra virus infection has only been recognised in Australia. Flying foxes appear to be unaffected by the virus. Rarely, Hendra virus spreads from flying foxes to horses, (spillover events) causing severe disease, and may then spread to people or animals in close contact with infected horses. The virus can be deadly to both humans and horses." Hendra Virus, June 2018, Primefact 970 eleventh edition Animal Biosecurity, NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Download Complete Fact Sheet

What about my pets?

There have been no known incidents of dogs/cats contracting viruses through eating a deceased flying fox carcass, but if a pet becomes sick after contact with a flying fox, seek advice from a veterinarian.

The risk of contracting the Hendra virus is more common in horses by eating food that may be contaminated by bat urine and/or other bodily fluids. Horse owners within 20 km of the camp should be aware that preventative vaccines are available from your vet.

There is no evidence of human to human, bat to human, bat to dog, or dog to human transmission of Hendra Virus.

Contact or exposures to bat faeces, urine or blood do not pose a risk of exposure to Lyssavirus, nor do living, playing or walking near bat roosting areas, as long as bats are not handled. Apart from two horses, no wild or domestic animals in Australia have ever been found to be infected with ABL.

What if a Flying-fox scratches or bites me?

It is very rare for this to occur, but if you have been bitten or scratched it is advised to gently but thoroughly wash the wound straight away with soap and water for at least 5 minutes. Then cover the area with an antiseptic cream/serum and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Again, it is advised to avoid the handling of flying foxes to deter bites and scratches to occur in the first place. If any injured bats have been found it would be best to ring the local WIRES on 13 000 WIRES (1300 094 737)

What should I do about damage to my property or power outages?

Residents who are concerned about damage to their property should contact their home insurer for advice on making a claim.

Council is not responsible for electricity supply. Any residents who have suffered damages as a result of power outages should contact their electrical provider or their home insurer.