Photo: Supplied.
BY RANGER STACEY THOMSON, PRINCIPAL ADVISER – COMMUNITY EDUCATION (REDLAND CITY COUNCIL)
Do you have a soft spot for a particular Aussie animal? Usually when this question arises, I hear similar responses – featuring the cute, cuddly, sometimes bold, and beautiful native species such as koalas, wallabies, colourful birds and a variety of other curious creatures.
Rarely do flying foxes make the most popular list!
But as far as I’m concerned, these intelligent and highly social creatures deserve wider recognition and a more positive public profile. Their contribution to conservation and the environment is significant. As expert pollinators and seed dispersers our flying foxes are crucial to the genetic health of forests!
While we’re sleeping at night, the world’s only flying mammals are travelling long distances over fragmented landscapes to feed on fruits and nectar of native trees like eucalypts, transferring pollen as they travel from one forest to another. In fact, just one flying fox can cover between 50 and 100 kilometres in a single night.
Three flying fox species hang out at various times of the year across the Redlands Coast. The little reds will be arriving around December, but right now during the cooler winter months, two species are spreading their magic.
The black flying fox is a regular sight year-round across the region, while the grey headed species is a special visitor, recently arrived from the southern States (NSW, Victoria, and SA). They’re here to enjoy the night-time native flowering feast, especially on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and the Southern Bay Islands.
As night turns into day flying foxes head back to camp or roost, effortlessly hanging upside down, like busy bunches of grapes. Watching the roost activity from a distance is captivating as they rest, groom, chat, and squabble.
Flying foxes are fascinating but often misunderstood. If you get the chance, quietly observe their unique behaviours … but please do not disturb, and never touch. If you happen to come across a flying fox that needs help, the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service is just a phone call away (3833 4031).
Until next time … Stay Wild!
Ranger Stacey
