Flying-foxes in the Shoalhaven

Shoalhaven City Council is working closely with local and national experts to determine a flying-fox management approach that balances the conservation of these important native animals and the amenity of residents, businesses and visitors.

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 can fly long distances each night (up to 50 kilometres) distributing pollen and seeds throughout the forests and vegetation of the South Coast. Flying-foxes are a keystone species as they are vital in maintaining ecosystem diversity and health.

All Australian native wildlife species, including flying-foxes, are fully protected. The Grey-headed Flying-fox is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Federal Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

There are plenty of myths around about flying-foxes and how they interact with humans. Take a look at Council's Flying-fox Fact Sheet and Flying-fox Baby Season Poster to understand more about the role of bats in the environment and how they choose to interact with people.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has a living with grey-headed flying-foxes fact sheet with more tips and information.

Flying-fox Research

There is evolving research on flying-foxes aimed at developing a better understanding of their ecology, behaviour, movements and population trends to inform management strategies and conservation efforts.

More information on flying-fox research in Australia can be found at the following links:

• National Flying-fox Monitoring Program FAQs - Australian Government
• National Flying-fox Monitoring Program - NSW Government
• Flying-fox information – NSW Government
• Shoalhaven Bat Clinic
• Flying-fox information brochure

Flying-fox Camp Management Plan

A Bomaderry flying-fox camp management plan is being prepared by Council in partnership with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH).

The plans’ objectives are to enable land owners and other stakeholders to use a range of suitable management responses to manage flying-foxes and to better understand the effects of flying-foxes on people.

The Plan aims to educate and better inform the local community about the benefits and importance of flying-foxes, and to conserve and protect (as required by law) flying-foxes and their habitat.