COMMUNITY
Issue 147- 10 February 2017
Contirbuted by Jane Canfield Sir Francis Bacon, Philosopher and Scientist was one of the first to state that “knowledge is power.” In Australia we have many unusual and unique animals that help to make our country special. Tourists come to see them, and this creates a multi billion dollar tourism industry, employing thousands of Australians. And as Australians we also marvel at a glimpse of a rare animal or plant. We live in a truly special country. One of our most misunderstood and amazing animals is the Flying Fox. We understand only part of their crucial role in our eco system but what we do know is fascinating. As the heat of summer is upon us, spare a thought for this special animal. Because of climate change, destruction of native bushland and land clearing, the Flying Fox is in danger of disappearing from our skies. It is protected and is listed as endangered. This year has seen unprecedented food shortages and this is contributing to Flying Foxes heading further West.
Some Flying Fox Facts: • They travel up to 40kms each night and are crucial to pollinating our native forests and are one of the few pollinators of our night time native flowering eucalypts. • They are classed as a ‘key species' which means that if we lose them, there will be a huge loss of other flora and fauna. • Flying Foxes eat mainly the nectar and pollens from our native flowering trees so your fruit trees are a last resort and most loss of fruit will be during the daytime and will be due to birds. • Any ’smell’ associated with larger populations of Flying Foxes is not ‘dirty’ but just their hormones,
it’s how they identify each other! • As they only eat pollens, nectar and fruits, their faeces and urine is virtually smell free and the animals are extremely clean. • Scientists believe they have the intelligence equal to a 4 year old child. • They are crucial to our environment. • A virus has been associated with bats in general but this is extremely rare and does not affect humans unless you interact directly with bats. • They are a shy, gentle creature who prefer to stay away from humans.
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We understand only part of their crucial role in our eco system but what we do know is fascinating.
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Mysterious creatures.
Want to know what you can do to help protect our native animals? • Become informed about any animals you don’t understand. • If you see a flying Fox or Flying Fox ‘camp’, stay away and please leave them in peace. • Plant native flowering trees such as Eucalypts, Lilli Pillis and Grevillias. • If you are concerned about loss of fruit on trees, protect from birds and net your fruit trees with wildlife friendly netting (easy to do!) Just ensure you get the netting that is white and has very small holes (so that your finger cannot go through it) and pin or stretch the netting so animals ‘bounce off it’ rather than get entangled. We are caretakers of this planet and it is up to us to help protect our native flora and fauna. And remember, if you see an injured Flying Fox, don’t attempt to pick it up, ring wildlife groups such as WIRES who have specially trained carers to help. Locally, WIRES can be reached at Blue Mountains: 4754 2946 or Central West: 1300 094 737.
Pictured: Flying Fox pup ’Sebastian’. Photo: Susan Daley.
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