Many bats, globally and in Australia, are now threatened with extinction. Unfortunately, the vampire myth associated with bats doesn’t help flying-foxes and other bats, which are often misunderstood and unpopular. Bats are actually our ‘forest heroes’, but now face many challenges of life in and around cities. Sadly, all flying-fox populations are in rapid decline. The grey-headed flying-fox population has dropped by one-third in a just 10 years. Spectacled flying-foxes also have greatly declined in numbers, which could have dire consequences for the World Heritage rainforests of north Qld. Both species are now listed as threatened, meaning there is major concern for their survival.

The most pressing threats to flying-foxes are extensive clearing of their feeding territories, destruction and disturbance of their campsites and illegal killing – ignorant recreational shooters and farmers have largely been responsible for killing large numbers of flying-foxes, especially since recent misinformed disease scares. When you see what seems like countless flying-foxes moving across the dusk skies each night, it’s easy to think they are plentiful and because they live in colonies, but the truth is their survival hangs in the brink.

Please DO NOT KILL any bats, whatever your opinion of them, or however bad a bat may be injured or sick. All bats are protected species. It is illegal to harm bats and all native wildlife, and heavy fines are issued to anyone killing bats.

Want to help bats in Brisbane?

• Become a member of BCRQ. Please visit www.bats.org.au for details
• Make a donation – unlike many of our more inconic natives (which are all important to protect), we get very little support. Donations are greatly appreciated and really do help in the recovery of injured and orphaned bats who truly are essential to our native forests

* On a personal note: Caring for a flying-fox or bat is an amazing experience. They are a very intelligent animal and quickly identify carers as being kind and a source of help, returning this care with affection, attention and gentleness. They are very responsive to their care environment, getting to know your voice, touch and smell quickly.

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