Flying foxes

Flying foxes

Flying foxes are a protected species in Queensland and play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health.

Consuming fruit, nectar and blossoms, they travel up to 100 km a night, cross pollinating and dispersing seeds.

There are three flying fox species found in the Central Highlands region: the black flying fox, the little red flying fox and the grey-headed flying fox. Living nearby to these native animals can be challenging, but armed with the right information and a good ‘bat-itude’ we can learn to co-exist.

Living with flying foxes
Management actions
Avoid handling flying foxes
Other Resources

Living with flying foxes

There is no reason to be alarmed if flying foxes set up camp nearby. Issues related to smell, noise, mess and damage to vegetation can be quickly addressed or, if necessary, handled with our assistance. Here are some tips for living near flying foxes:

Bring your washing in before dusk.
Park your cars under shelter.
Keep doors and windows closed at dawn and dusk to reduce noise.
Remove or cover fruit and flowers on trees on your property.
Keep dogs and cats inside at night and away from roost sites. If they become bitten or scratched, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Keep pet food and water indoors.
Move quietly near roost sites to avoid disturbing the roost – they make more noise when disturbed.
Avoid the used of barbed wire fences near flowering plants so that flying foxes don’t become ensnared.

Management actions

Council have developed a Flying Fox Management Plan, which builds on our Flying Fox Statement of Management Intent. This plan provides a framework for managing flying foxes within the Central Highlands local government area.

Any active management will be done in compliance with the Queensland Code of Practice, supporting the ecological and sustainable management of flying fox roosts.

Flying foxes and their habitat are protected in Queensland. It is illegal to attempt to disperse flying fox camps without appropriate permits and can attract fines of up to $100 000 or a prison sentence.

You can assist by reporting unusual flying fox sightings during dispersal activities.

Avoid handling flying foxes

All bats should be viewed as potentially carrying Australian Bat Lyssavirus, although the risk of becoming infected with the virus is very low. Please don’t handle flying foxes, even if dead. If disposing of a dead flying fox, do not directly touch it. Use a shovel or tongs and place into two plastic bags with your general rubbish. You can’t catch Lyssavirus from living near a roost or a fly-out, or from bat droppings.

If you have been bitten or scratched seek medical attention as soon as possible from your doctor or the Queensland Health information line 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Other Resources

Flying foxes

Flying Fox Fact Sheets

Flying foxes

Magpies

Emergency Management Dashboard