Grey Headed Flying Fox - Help to Prevent Poisoning

We are currently seeing an increase in deceased Grey-headed flying foxes (a threatened species) within the Shoalhaven LGA. It is thought to be occurring due to the species consuming large amounts of the Cocos Palm fruit commonly found as an ornamental planting in gardens. Due to the recent heavy rain, the flying-foxes natural nectar sources have been depleted, resulting in the consumption of the Cocas Palm fruit and poisoning occurring.

If you would like to help our furry flying friends, please consider removing these fruits from known trees to reduce the likelihood of poisoning.

In their travels, flying-foxes disperse seeds in their droppings and carry a dusting of pollen from tree to tree, fertilising flowers as they feed. Eucalypts rely heavily on these pollinators, producing most of their nectar and pollen at night to coincide with when bats are active and keeping our native bushland healthy.

If you find an injured or deceased bat, please do not touch the animal, contact South Coast Wildlife Rescue or call 0418 427 214 (North of Batemans Bay) or 0417 238 921 (South of Batemans Bay).