One of the best organisations for bat conservation is Bat Conservation and Rescue Qld Inc. They rescue and rehabilitate bats, educate the public and protect bat habitat. Flying fox numbers have decreased dramatically over the last 50 years due to habitat loss and poor management of their colonies. Recovery teams have now been formed for both the Grey-headed and the Spectacled flying fox in an attempt to bring their numbers back from dangerously low levels. These teams are headed by the Qld Environmental Protection Agency, the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Department of Environment and Heritage.

Bat Conservation & Rescue Qld

Bat Conservation and Rescue Qld Inc is a self-funded volunteer organisation whose members are permitted, through appropriate training and licenses, to care for sick, injured and orphaned flying-foxes and microbats under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They aim to improve the local environment for their urban bats by planting trees, public talks with educational animals, being proactive in reducing  the risks of barbed wire, netting and by working with power companies, such as Energex in Brisbane, to upgrade powerlines, which kills hundreds of flying-foxes every year.

Their goals are:

• To provide accurate and informative education, through literature, talks and community events for the general public about the importance of bats
• To provide an efficient and humane service to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned bats, returning them to the wild as soon as and whenever possible
• To be active in the conservation of bats
• To follow the guidelines set out by the EPA in their Code of Practice Care and Rehabilitation of Orphaned, Sick or Injured Protected Animals by Wildlife Volunteers.

If you find an injured or sick flying fox or any bat, please contact the Bat Rescue Hotline urgently on 0488 228 134 and for more info please visit www.bats.org.au