Flying-foxes
Flying-foxes are large bats. There are four species native to mainland Australia: the Little Red Flying-fox, the Black Flying-fox, the Spectacled Flying-fox and the Grey-headed Flying-fox.
Of these, the Grey-headed Flying-fox is the only species permanent to southern Victoria, although the Little Red Flying-fox is a semi-permanent resident in northern Victoria. They are migratory animals and in Melbourne colony numbers fluctuate with the seasons – more in summer, less in winter.
Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens became home to a permanent colony of Grey-headed Flying-foxes in 1986 after years of seasonal roosting. In 2003 their numbers peaked at 30,000 in summer, with 8,000 staying through to winter. Having so many flying-foxes roost all year-round in a small and sensitive area of the Royal Botanic Gardens was damaging heritage-listed vegetation, so in March 2003 they were successfully moved to a more suitable location at Yarra Bend Park, Kew.
Flying-fox Campsite Management Plan Review
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A review of the current campsite management plan at Yarra Bend was undertaken in late 2009 in consultation with those working at the site including Department of Environment and Primary Industries and Parks Victoria staff, contractors, and researchers who have been monitoring the vegetation and the flying-foxes. Flying Fox Revegetation Plan Review
[PDF File - 1.1 MB]People with an interest in the site are encouraged to contribute their own thoughts about the management of the flying-fox campsite, which will form part of the development of a new Campsite Management Plan being prepared this year. Once drafted, the Plan will be made available for public comment and written submissions will be sought. To find out more or submit a comment contact DEPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or email: customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au. |
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About flying-foxes A look at the distribution, habitat, behaviour, breeding, diet and conservation status of flying-foxes. |
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Flying-foxes and people There are a number of myths about flying-foxes that cause many people to fear them. Find out the truth about their impact on residential areas, including damage to fruit trees. |
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Flying-foxes and disease Bats and flying-foxes can carry diseases that are transmissable to humans, either directly or via a third party. Learn more about two of these diseases and how to reduce the risk to you and your animals. |
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Melbourne's flying-foxes Learn about the history of Melbourne's flying-foxes and the program to relocate them to Yarra Bend Park. |
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Management Plan Our strategy to create a long-term, sustainable roost site at Yarra Bend Park for Melbourne's flying-fox colony. |
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Facts about bats and flying-foxes Interesting facts about flying-foxes and other bats. |
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Fact Sheets and media releases Publications and news items about the relocation to Yarra Bend Park. |