Flying-foxes only have one live young per year. The little red gives birth around April/May, whilst the remaining 3 species give birth around October/November. The young are carried by their mothers for 4-5 weeks until they are fully furred. Then they begin to fly at about 8-10 weeks old and feed by themselves at 12 weeks old. After 4-5 weeks the young are left in trees with other young while their mothers travel each night in search of food. Females start breeding when they are 2-3 years old. Males form either paired or harem groups during the mating season. It is during this season that flying-foxes tend to be the noisiest due to the defending of territories. Few people would not have heard these noisy little creatures doing their thing at night. It is also during this time that their ‘campsites’ appear to emit a stron smell, due to secretions from the males’ scent glands. Many people think this strong smell is from their urine or faeces, but this is not the case. More to come.

Flying-fox Campsites

Flying-fox ‘campsites’ are very important to the survival of flying-foxes, as this is where they are born, grow, form relationships and learn how to survive. Campsites may be permanently or temporarily occupied throughout the year depending on the season and availability of food. The size of a campsite may also vary during the year, increasing when there is a good food source, or when mothers arrive to give birth to their young. Numbers may also increase if there is little food elsewhere or another campsite has been disturbed or destroyed. A decrease in numbers usually indicates poor food in the area or a disturbance of the campsite.

Flying-foxes need campsites made up of large ares so they can circulate within the site according to the defoliation of trees where they sleep. Currently many sites sustain more damage due to the small areas that flying-foxes are now confined to and due to them staying longer because of food scarcity elsewhere, or due to extensive distances that now exist between campsites. Campsites are usually located along rivers, creeks or near large bodies of fresh water, which also provide navigation for flying-foxes when they are coming home at night.

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