FLYING-FOX RELOCATION YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Don’t be alarmed! The While it is difficult Relocation activities are simply moving to predict flying-fox will happen at sunrise to their new home at the behaviour, we are Council is relocating each morning. Cairns Central Swamp. hopeful this activity the spectacled During the relocation, A team of technicians will move the flying- flying-foxes from you may see flying- will be out and about foxes to their new the Cairns City foxes overhead where helping move the bats home as quickly as Library. you live and work. to their new home. possible.

IF YOU FIND BATS IN YOUR BACKYARD - DO NOT TOUCH THEM!

Do not harass bats with noise or threatening behaviour If you see a fallen as they fly-over as this may bring harm to you or the or injured call bats and is illegal. If you feel bats are causing problems Wildlife Carers FNQ in your area call Council on 1300 692 247 on 4281 6869 Disclaimer: The information in this publication is for information purposes only. Please note that while every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct and up to date, Council does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability of any such information and makes no warranty or representation about the content of this publication. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Cairns Regional Council shall not be liable for technical or other errors or omissions contained herein. The reader/user accepts all risks and responsibility and other consequences resulting directly or indirectly from using this information. CONTENTS SPECTACLED FLYING-FOX RELOCATION...... 4 THE CAIRNS CITY LIBRARY COLONY...... 5 TIMING...... 5 CAIRNS CENTRAL SWAMP...... 7 HOW THE RECLOCATION WILL WORK...... 8 FLYING-FOXES & YOUR HEALTH...... 9 WHAT ARE FLYING-FOXES...... 10 FLYING-FOXES IN CAIRNS...... 11

REMEMBER: DO NOT TOUCH BATS. If you see a fallen or injured bat call Wildlife Carers FNQ on 4281 6869. SPECTACLED FLYING-FOX RELOCATION FROM THE CAIRNS CITY LIBRARY Cairns Regional Council has approval from the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) for its relocation and dispersal program through a detailed Spectacled Flying-fox Management Plan.

pectacled flying-foxes are an WHY ARE THE BATS BEING important part of the natural QMOVED FROM THE CBD? Senvironment. Council’s concern is Council acknowledges that spectacled flying- for the welfare of the spectacled flying- foxes are an important part of the natural foxes and the urban environment is not environment and is concerned that leaving healthy for them. them at the roost in the CBD will result in Heat stress events, urban development further negative impacts upon them. Heat and increased construction in close stress events, urban development and proximity to the Cairns City Library roost increased construction in close proximity will continue to stress and adversely affect to the Cairns City Library colony will only the spectacled flying-fox population. continue to stress and adversely affect the The Spectacled Flying-fox Management flying-fox population. Plan details steps to relocate the Council’s decision to relocate the spectacled flying-foxes currently at the spectacled flying-foxes has been made in Cairns City Library to the Cairns Central consultation with and following lengthy Swamp. WHAT IS A FLYING-FOX discussion with members of the Flying- The relocation plan involves the use of a Q MANAGEMENT PLAN? fox Advisory Committee (FFAC). Cairns variety of noise and light deterrents under The process for relocating the Cairns City Regional Council believes that the proposed the direction of a professional contractor Library spectacled flying-fox colony is set relocation would; and in line with the recommendations of out in the Cairns Flying-fox Relocation • mitigate human/flying-fox conflict, environmental officers to move the Implementation Plan (FFIP) approved by • enable the trees at the Library to recover, to the Cairns Central Swamp. the Federal Department of Agriculture, and Deterrence measures will be used to Water and the Environment (DAWE). The • will likely reduce the high rates of pup discourage the spectacled flying-foxes plan was developed by NRA Environmental mortality that have been recorded at the from returning to the Cairns City Library or Consultants that has provided sustainable library colony. settling in other areas within the CBD. natural management services to the In addition, the Cairns community has a Council has been successfully private, public and community sectors number of concerns about the library colony, using similar deterrents to discourage at strategic and operational levels since including the following: spectacled flying-foxes from roosting along 1984, in consultation with Council and the • the noise, and sight and smell of excreta the Esplanade for several years with no Federal Department of Agriculture, Water detracts from local aesthetics, injury or stress caused to the in and the Environment (DAWE). • faecal/urine drop sullies and/or causes that time. Inputs to the plan included: damage to facilities and property, such Ultimately, Council is hoping to deter • consideration of staged relocation as motor vehicles, and is a slip hazard for spectacled flying-foxes from roosting in the events, pedestrians, CBD and moving them to a more suitable • intermediate relocation sites, • the danger of persons coming into contact and natural rainforest environment. • stakeholder feedback, with bats either inadvertently or deliberately • risk assessments and responses, and receiving scratches or bites, • mobilisation and how the relocation • there is concern that dead flying-foxes and would be carried out, and excreta under the roost poses a health risk, • ongoing monitoring and appropriate • maintenance works to mitigate flying-fox responses if corrective action required. impacts incur a cost to ratepayers, and To view the plan visit: • high densities of flying-foxes decrease tree cairns.qld.gov.au/flyingfoxrelocation health.

4 Flying-fox Relocation Information CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL SPECTACLED THE CAIRNS CITY LIBRARY COLONY FLYING-FOX Cairns is home to a large number of spectacled flying-foxes. Most of these are spectacled flying-foxes but at certain times of the year, small numbers of Little Red Flying-foxes can RELOCATION also be found. There are 44 known roost sites (or camps) across the Cairns local government area, of FROM THE CAIRNS CITY LIBRARY which six are listed as Nationally Important Camps. Spectacled flying-fox colonies are mainly seasonal with numbers and composition of the camps changing constantly. The Cairns City Library colony is the only roost that is occupied throughout the year.

The trees at the Cairns City Library are protected by a heritage listing under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. The Department of Environment and Science (DES) must approve the removal of heritage-listed trees. Council understands that trees are highly valued in the community and has a strict policy about removal. Council regularly assesses the health of the tree and takes steps such as bracing weakened limbs and the root system, light trimming and removing of dead wood, to reduce disease and extend the life of the tree. All works are done by qualified professionals under the guidance of a qualified and independent ecologist.

HOW DOES A RELOCATION The deterrence is carried out using QWORK? passive equipment such as high intensity TIMING The aim of ‘relocation’ is to encourage the lighting and audio equipment that are set • Relocation efforts will happen spectacled flying-fox colony to move to a up in strategic locations to provide a passive on the morning fly-in period more suitable roost site in the Cairns Central deterrent to the City Library roost trees. between 5am and 7am. swamp. The relocation activity will be undertaken • Commencing 4 July 2020. by appropriately qualified and experienced The Cairns Flying-fox Relocation • Relocation operations are to be Management Plan will use noise and lights individuals and non-lethal methods will be limited by permit to a maximum to relocate the spectacled flying-foxes used. of two periods, each of up to currently roosting in the Cairns CBD to a The program is tailored to minimise any 2.5 hours duration, in any 24 hour more suitable, natural environment. stress on the animals and causes no injury period, and be conducted before The plan details the actions to relocate at of any type. Deterrence will stop at any sunrise and after sunset. the Cairns City Library colony, amid concerns time if dependent young are likely to be • A management window has for the welfare of the animals. impacted. been identified to move the bats The relocation of the spectacled flying- Once the flying-foxes have left the roost, from the CBD back to a historic fox colony in the vicinity of the Cairns City technicians will continue to monitor the roost site in the Cairns Central Library is planned to commence on 4 July population at the new roost trees as well as Swamp site. 2020. roaming throughout the town to identify any • The proposed action will Relocation efforts will happen on the potential splinter camps. only occur between May and morning fly-in period between 5am and Once the colony has been relocated to September (ie outside of the 7am. the desired location continual negative spectacled flying-fox pup rearing As flying-foxes begin to fly in from association works will continue at the season. This will specifically their nights foraging, they will be actively City Library roost trees, these works are aim to avoid a disruption to the deterred from the roost site in an effort to characterised by very low intensity noise species’ breeding cycle). prevent landing where practicable. and lighting and other passive deterrent works at the original roost site.

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Flying-fox Relocation Information 5 WHAT IF THERE ARE PUPS officers use the Matrix to determine to determine what actions (if any) will QPRESENT? appropriate management actions based occur; upon the overall score obtained by working • action - responding to immediate The relocation will be stopped and through a set of criteria. If you feel flying- concerns and acting to minimise postponed if one or more dependant pups foxes are causing problems in your area, conflict; are detected and verified by a suitably contact Council on 1300 69 22 47. • community education and awareness qualified ecologist on-site during all to debunk myths about flying-foxes and relocation activities. The proposed action provide residents with scientific facts will cease if dependant pups are present. IS THERE A RISK OF AN AIRSTRIKE WITH A about spectacled flying-fox populations, Q behaviours and diseases; and WHAT IF AN INJURED OR FLYING-FOX DURING THE DISPERSAL? • collaboration with State and Federal QDEAD FLYING-FOX IS FOUND Governments on all matters relating to DURING THE RELOCATION? The Spectacled Flying-fox Management management of spectacled flying-foxes, The relocation will be stopped and Plan includes measures to minimise the including compliance, conservation and postponed if a spectacled flying-fox death likelihood of an airstrike with a spectacled recovery planning. caused by the action is recorded and verified flying-fox during dispersal. The Flying-fox Advisory Committee was by a suitably qualified ecologist on-site The Cairns Airport’s Airport Deterrence established to provide feedback and during all relocation activities. Team is a key stakeholder in the Spectacled recommendations to improve awareness During relocation and deterrence activities Flying-fox Management Plan and is working and education within the community. it is the intent to have no spectacled flying- closely with Council. The committee is made up of local fox deaths during these actions. wildlife carers, qualified ecologists WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM and internationally renowned flying-fox WILL VISITORS TO CAIRNS QBITTEN OR SCRATCHED BY researchers. BE ABLE TO SEE FLYING- ANY BAT, INCLUDING For more information visit Q www.cairns.qld.gov.au/bats FOXES IN THE WILD? FLYING-FOXES? Alternative opportunities exist for visitors to Immediately wash the wound gently but WHAT IS A DIFFERENCE the Cairns region to visit other large flying-fox thoroughly for at least five minutes with soap BETWEEN A ‘RELOCATION’ roost sites, such as the colonies at Cairns and water. Do not scrub the wound. Apply Q AND ‘DETERRENCE’? Central Swamp, Gordonvale and Edmonton, an antiseptic (e.g. povidone, iodine or which are listed on the National Flying-fox another iodine preparation or ethanol A ‘relocation’ involves actions to move the monitoring viewer. Each of these sites can alcohol) and cover the wound. Contact spectacled flying-foxes from one location be viewed from publicly accessible areas. your doctor or hospital immediately—they to another. A ‘deterrence’ involves actions https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/ will arrange for the vaccinations that are that discourage the spectacled flying-foxes wildlife/animals/living-with/bats/flying- necessary to protect you against Australian from returning to the Cairns City Library foxes/roost-locations Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV). These vaccinations trees or settling in other areas within should start as soon as possible after being the CBD. WHAT DO I DO IF I FIND bitten or scratched. It is possible to have QA DEAD OR INJURED BAT the bat tested for ABLV. The department ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES DURING THE RELOCATION? and Queensland Health will assist with the QAND HAVE THEY BEEN collection of the bat. If bat saliva gets into If you find an injured or dead flying-fox, do CONSIDERED? your eyes, nose or mouth, or into an open not touch it, call Wildlife Carers FNQ on 4281 The current management approach of the wound, flush thoroughly with water and seek 6869. Where there is no direct handling or spectacled flying-foxes at the Cairns City medical advice immediately. contact with flying-foxes, the risk of disease Library is not sustainable as the continued transmission is negligible. presence of the flying-foxes is causing If you find a dead flying-fox in a public area damage to the roost trees. (e.g. on a road or in a park), call Council on HOW HAS COUNCIL BEEN If this approach is continued, the roost 1300 69 2247 and ask them to dispose of it. QMANAGING THE FLYING-FOX trees will ultimately fail resulting in the If you do not touch flying-foxes or other COLONY TO DATE? flying-foxes dispersing in an uncontrolled bats, there is no risk. Cairns Regional Council convened a Flying- manner to another location. Fox Summit in April 2015 involving experts The suggestion to heavily prune the WHAT DO I DO IF FLYING- in areas of flying-fox research, tropical trees to reduce them temporarily to a FOXES COME INTO MY ecology and management of flying-fox height that would render them undesirable Q for flying-foxes to roost in is already PROPERTY/TREES DURING colonies. Following the summit, Council adopted a undertaken to the maximum allowed. THE RELOCATION? multi-faceted strategy to managing flying- Council will not remove healthy trees Flying-foxes may visit your back yard but are foxes in urban areas, particularly in the from the site as a deterrent measure as the unlikely to stay for long as residential back Cairns city centre. removal of the heritage-listed trees is not yards are rarely ideal roosting habitat for The strategy aims to balance protection permitted, is undesirable, and will reduce flying-foxes. There may be a source of food of spectacled flying-foxes and the amenity the aesthetic qualities of the area. such as nectar and fruit that may attract of residents through: The installation of suitable netting to deter them during night time feeding activities. • management approach – using scientific spectacled flying-foxes from breeding and To assist with the management of flying- advice and data on spectacled flying-fox roosting at the Cairns City Library is subject foxes in urban areas, Council developed population numbers and movements to further consideration. the Flying-fox Assessment Matrix. Council

6 Flying-fox Relocation Information CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL CAIRNS CENTRAL SWAMP SITE OF HISTORIC ROOST

CAIRNS LIBRARY COLONY

CAIRNS CENTRAL SWAMP

Severin Street

Wilkinson Street

IS THE NEW SITE WHAT IF THE FLYING-FOXES SUITABLE? DON’T GO TO THE NEW SITE?

The new site is located in the Cairns While it is difficult to predict flying- Planning includes methods for Central Swamp. The site is a historic fox behaviour, Council will use preventing flying-foxes from moving to roost site for spectacled flying-foxes and strategic methods to guide the colony sensitive areas. Council acknowledges provides suitable canopy (roost) trees during relocation. It is acknowledged that ongoing deterrence and potential overhead and around. Field studies and that relocated flying-foxes may use follow-up dispersals may be required. baseline habitat analysis undertaken by alternative sites for roosting following This has been accommodated in environmental consultants of the Cairns the relocation. A suitable relocation implementation planning. Central Swamp show it is a suitable site, alternative long-term roosts relocation site on account of its habitat, and potential intermediate roosts location, current and previous land use, have been identified as part of the and zoning. implementation plan.

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Flying-fox Relocation Information 7 LONG RANGE HOW THE ACOUSTIC DEVICES A Long Range Acoustic Device RELOCATION (LRAD) is a key component of the relocation effort. It uses directional sound to discourage WILL WORK bats from landing in the roost tree, A range of relocation tools have been approved under the Flying-fox or encouraging them to fly out of the roost tree, depending on the implementation plan. The tool, or combination of tools, best suited circumstances. to the circumstances at the time of relocation will be used. LRAD concentrates sound in a 30 degree cone directly in front of Tools that may be used are: flying out surveys and monitor the device, with limited sound to roosting sites for créching. • Metal clangers the sides or back of the device. • Pool noodles Monitoring will also include Wherever possible, the device will monthly counts of the flying- • Lights be pointed directly at the intended foxes at known roost sites in target (i.e. up or towards the tree). • Long-range acoustic device the Cairns region, including (but Operators will maintain an exclusion (LRAD) not limited to) the current City zone when the device is in use. • Non-lethal firearms, operated spectacled flying-fox colony and A variety of sounds can be used. by qualified technicians, that the relocation site at the Cairns Nearby businesses and residents create noise. Central Swamp. may hear sounds such as distant During the relocation, technicians Annual monitoring of the sirens, whips cracking, flying- will continue to monitor the condition of habitats and periodic fox calls, construction noise and population in their new location monitoring of the sites in the wet demolition noises. The greatest throughout the day to look season and dry season are done to success has been found in using a for signs of excessive stress. assess unintended consequences range of different noises at various Technicians will also undertake to other flora and fauna. intervals.

8 Flying-fox Relocation Information CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL FLYING-FOXES & YOUR HEALTH Flying-foxes in Australia CAN I BE VACCINATED FOR IS THERE A HEALTH RISK TO are known to carry two QBAT-RELATED DISEASES? QMY DOG OR CAT IF IT CATCHES infections that can pose There is no wide-spread community vaccination A FLYING-FOX? a serious risk to human program against Australian bat lyssavirus. Occasionally, cats and dogs catch flying-foxes. health: Australian bat Individuals wishing to be vaccinated can see their Contact your local veterinarian if you suspect that your lyssavirus and Hendra doctor and undertake a course of vaccination over pet might have been bitten or scratched by a bat. virus. It is rare for three weeks. There is a significant cost for the humans to be infected vaccination course and is not refundable through CAN DROPPINGS FROM FLYING- with these viruses. Medicare. QFOXES CONTAMINATE THE Infections generally only WATER IN MY RAINWATER TANK? THERE ARE FLYING-FOXES IN occur if you have direct Droppings from many animals including flying- TREES NEAR OUR HOUSE AT contact with flying-foxes. Q foxes may end up on your roof. These contaminants NIGHT. DOES THIS MEAN THERE can be washed into your rainwater tank with rain. IF YOU SEE A FLYING- IS A ROOST ESTABLISHING Where rainwater is collected for drinking purposes, FOX DO NOT TOUCH IT. NEAR MY HOME? it is recommended that first flush diverters are CONTACT WILDLIFE Flying-foxes are nocturnal animals that fly out from installed to discard contaminants prior to clean CARERS FNQ ON their camp at sunset and move around the region water being collected in the tank. Inlets and outlets 4281 6869 WHO WILL at night searching for food. They return to a camp, on rainwater tanks should also be screened and REMOVE THE BAT though not necessarily the same as the day before, the tank covered with a roof structure. Rainwater just before sunrise and rest there throughout the tanks should be periodically de-sludged. Water in day. If you see or hear flying-foxes in trees near the tank can be chlorinated to disinfect it or it can Australian Bat your home at night, it’s more than likely they’re be boiled and allowed to cool prior to use. Lyssavirus (ABLV) only there temporarily to feed.

Australian bat lyssavirus is CAN FLYING-FOX DROPPINGS only transmitted to humans CAN I REMOVE THE FLYING-FOXES QAFFECT THE QUALITY OF WATER when infected flying-fox QFROM MY PROPERTY? IN NATURAL STREAMS? saliva comes into contact During the relocation of the spectacled flying-foxes The water quality in any natural waterway can with human tissue through in Cairns, Council is responsible for moving bats on fluctuate quickly. A creek, stream or river may an open wound or mucus if they land in private property. If you are concerned contain bacteria from many sources that can be membrane e.g. eyes, nose and about flying-foxes at your property contact Council harmful to health if the water is consumed. mouth. You can not contract immediately on 1300 69 22 47. It is not safe to drink water directly from natural Australia bat lyssavirus To assist with the management of flying-foxes in waterways. from bat urine or droppings. Flying-foxes flying overhead urban areas, Council developed the Flying-fox or roosting in gardens and Assessment Matrix. Council officers use the Matrix WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF FLYING- public spaces pose no risk to to determine appropriate management actions QFOX DROPPINGS END UP IN MY humans provided you don’t based upon the overall score obtained by working SWIMMING POOL? touch them. through a set of criteria. Normal pool maintenance practices such as skimming, vacuuming, filtration and chlorination, THERE IS A FLYING-FOX ALONE IN should remove any contamination associated with Outbreaks of Hendra virus A TREE DURING THE DAY. are rare. To date a small Q wildlife droppings. number of horses have WHAT SHOULD I DO? become infected with Hendra If you feel flying-foxes are causing problems in your HOW CAN I LOOK AFTER virus, apparently after area, contact Council on 1300 69 22 47. QSANDPITS? contact with flying-foxes Sandpits should be raked regularly and or their body fluids. There is WHAT TO DO IF I FIND A SICK, covered when not in use to avoid contamination no indication that humans INJURED OR DEAD BAT? can catch the virus directly Q from a range of animals. from flying-foxes and there If you find an injured or dead flying-fox, do not are no known cases of direct touch it. Call Wildlife Carers FNQ on 4281 6869. WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT transmission of infection Where there is no direct handling or contact with QLAUNDRY THAT HAS BEEN SOILED from flying-foxes to people. flying-foxes, the risk of disease transmission is WITH FLYING-FOX DROPPINGS? negligible. If you find a dead flying-fox in a public area (e.g. on Laundry that has been soiled with flying-fox a road or in a park), call Council on 1300 69 2247 droppings will need to be rewashed. It is best and ask them to dispose of it. to bring washing in from an outside clothesline before dusk to avoid flying-fox droppings soiling laundry. Alternatively, washing can be dried under covered areas.

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Flying-fox Relocation Information 9 WHY DO BATS HANG QUPSIDE DOWN? Unlike the bodies of other animals, a bat’s body is best adapted for hanging upside down. Its hind limbs have rotated 180 degrees so that its knees face backwards. This rotation aids in the bat’s ability to navigate in flight and to hang by its feet. Bats actually have specialised tendons that hold their toes in place so that they are able to cling to the their roosts without expending any energy. In fact, bats must flex their muscles to let go of the roosting surface. These adaptations are quite helpful for a flying since bats only need to let go WHAT ARE of the roost in order to drop into flight. Hanging upside down also ensures bats FLYING-FOXES? can roost away from predators in safe places. he common name “flying-fox” ARE BATS RELATED Trefers to a group of bats living in TO BIRDS? WHAT DO BATS EAT? the Old World tropics of Australia, Q Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific Bats and birds both can fly, yet they QThere are over 1,400 different Islands. These bats received their developed this ability independently. They species of bats in the world, living on common name because their faces belong to different animal classes; birds every continent except Antarctica. They resemble those of little foxes. They are in a class called Aves while bats are in are usually divided into two groups have large eyes because they do the class Mammalia. Bats are , based on those that use echolocation not use echolocation. Instead, they just like humans, which means that all (microbats, usually smaller and eat depend on vision and their keen sense bats are warm-blooded, have hair, bear insects) and those that don’t (, of smell to find ripe fruit. Flying-foxes live young, and feed their babies milk. usually larger and eat fruit and nectar). help the ecosystems in which they All the megabats have big eyes, good live by pollinating many flowers and WHY ARE FLYING-FOXES eyesight and good sense of smell. Most spreading seeds to new locations, SO NOISY? of the microbats have small eyes, but as a especially aiding in rain forest Q group eat a wider range of food than any regeneration. Flying-foxes use sound to communicate. other animal apart from humans. These Flying-foxes are hard-working little They are mainly noisy at dawn and dusk include the carnivorous ghost bat, fishing Aussies. They are FIFO workers on when they arrive at or prepare to leave bats with their big feet, golden-tipped the night shift – flying out from their their camp. Flying-fox noise during the bats that only eat spiders, vampire bats camps at dusk to feed on flowering day occurs mainly during the mating drinking blood and even microbats eating or fruiting plants and trees. And then season in March/April or in response fruit and nectar. they do the incredibly important job of to disturbances such as dogs, lawn- spreading pollen and seeds. When their mowers and loud bangs. Reducing the HOW LONG DO BATS LIVE? crucial work is done, they head back disturbances will minimise noise from to camp before dawn to sleep through flying-foxes. Flying-foxes are also noisy QA bat living longer than 30 years the day, ready for their next shift. when defending their feeding territory. is equivalent to a human living longer Their contribution to the health of our Noise should stop once the trees in which than 100 years. Bats, for their size, are native forests cannot be overstated. they are feeding finish flowering or fruiting. the world’s longest living mammals. Yet SPECIES: There are four species unlike other mammals of their size, bats of flying-fox in Australia, all of WHAT IS THAT AWFUL have very low reproductive rates. Females which occur in the tropics north of of most species produce just one pup per Townsville. They are the Grey-headed, QSMELL? year. the Blacks, Little Reds and Spectacled Flying-foxes have unique odours that Flying-foxes. Ingham is the only place help them identify each other. The main DO BATS MAKE GOOD PETS? in Australia where you can find all 4 odour associated with flying-foxes is the It is illegal to have a bat as a pet. species. scent male flying-foxes use to mark their Q It is important for people to remember territory and to attract females during BREEDING SEASON: Spectacled that bats are wild animals and should Flying-foxes mate in March/April and the mating season. While this may be be allowed to live in their natural give birth to a single young between offensive in odour, it does not represent a environment. October and December. risk to human health. Urine from a single flying-fox is essentially odourless but from Little red flying-foxes mate in SOCIAL STRUCTURE November/December and give birth to a colony it will become more obvious to a single young in April/May. humans. Flying-fox droppings are mostly QFlying-foxes are intelligent, social found where they eat rather than where animals that live in large colonies near they sleep. Droppings become more food sources. odorous as they decompose.

10 Flying-fox Relocation Information CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL FLYING-FOXES IN CAIRNS

Cairns is home to 44 known Spectacled flying-fox roost sites. Six are listed as Nationally Important Camps.

Flying-foxes play a crucial role in the Australian eco-system by being one of the most efficient pollinators and seed dispersers of native Australian forest trees. They travel great distances each night in search of food. Spectacled Flying-fox roosts are mainly seasonal with numbers and composition of the camps changing constantly. Like all native wildlife, flying- foxes are a protected species in Queensland under the Nature Conservation Act. The Spectacled Flying-fox is listed as “endangered” under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and Queensland legislation. FLYING-FOXES:

Are extremely Are frugivores Have the ability Are the main Are vital to important to and nectivores, to cross-pollinate pollinators of the continued maintaining meaning their over great many native survival of the biodiversity diet consists distances and trees. The are the World Heritage in Australian largely of fruit, carry fruit and only pollinators Listed Wet forests. nectar and seeds far away that have evolved Tropics due pollen. from parent with eucalypts to the vast trees, making so they arrive in distances they them critical for large numbers disperse seeds the ability of our during a large from the fruit forests to adapt to blossoming they eat. climate change. event, pollinate on a huge scale, and then leave.

Are considered Are very clean Can fly around Have a complex Have males megabats, animals and 40kmh and social system guarding the have superb constantly groom forage up to and spend their boundaries vision and an their fur and wing 100km a night day in communal of the camp excellent sense membrane. (average distance camps in trees keeping a of smell. Unlike 30km). using over 40 look out for other smaller vocalisations to predators such insectivorous communicate as birds of prey bats they do not with one another. and pythons. use echolocation.

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Flying-fox Relocation Information 11 REMEMBER IF YOU SEE A FALLEN OR INJURED BAT, PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH IT. CONTACT WILDLIFE CARERS FNQ ON 4281 6869 FOR ASSISTANCE. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT FLYING-FOXES AT YOUR PROPERTY CONTACT COUNCIL ON 1300 69 22 47

Get the bat facts visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au/bats