Monitoring flying-foxes

Council has a long-term plan for managing flying-fox colonies throughout the Gympie region.

Part of this plan involves rehabilitating historical roost sites that are away from residential areas to encourage the flying-foxes to return. Other parts of the plan involve taking action to make roost sites that are in our urban residential areas less desirable. 

Understanding flying-fox movements

Although a wild animal, flying-foxes do follow a familiar pattern of behaviour.

The figure below summarises indicative breeding cycles for flying-foxes in Southern Queensland. Note, these timeframes may vary considerably in response to changes in the weather and other conditions.

GHFF -  Grey haired flying-fox

BFF    -  Black flying-fox

LRFF  -  Little Red flying-fox 

flying fox breeding

                                                             Indicative flying-fox reproductive cycle -  Source: Ecosure Pty Ltd

 

To view the approximate breeding cycle for the Little red flying-fox click here.

You can read more about the patterns of the different flying fox species by visiting https://littleaussiebat.com.au/flying-fox-facts/

Monitoring their movements

Gympie Regional Council works alongside state and federal governments to monitor and track flying fox roost sites throughout the region.

You can follow the results of regular monitoring undertaken by the federal government by visiting https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/flying-fox-monitoring.

The Gympie region’s most significant roost site is at Commissioners Gully. Due to its size, in 2020, this roost site was declared as nationally significant, which places further environmental protections over the area into the future.

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