Flying-foxes return to Machattie Park

MEDIA RELEASE 20 September 2023

A public awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the critical role of the flying-fox in the survival of Australian bush has kicked off as the native mammals arrive in the Bathurst region.

The ‘Little Aussie Battlers’ campaign was first initiated by the Hunter Joint Organisation Councils in 2019 to boost understanding of the migratory habits of the flying-fox, as they increasingly roost in residential areas. The ‘Little Aussie Battlers’ campaign is drawing attention to two species of flying-fox in the Bathurst region: the vulnerable Grey-headed Flying-fox, and the Little-red Flying-fox, which are protected by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act.

The Grey-headed Flying-fox, which is extremely susceptible to climatic changes and loss of habitat, is now federally classed as ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’, with its national population declining by more than 30% in the past few years. It is hoped a greater understanding of these Little Aussie Battlers will improve tolerance as affected residents and visitors to Machattie Park in the cities CBD recognise the seasonal nature of flying-fox migration and the vital role this threatened species play in our ecosystem.

Council’s Manager Recreation Mark Kimbel said flying foxes are migratory within the Bathurst region, arriving around spring and moving to warmer areas of Australia as winter sets in. Our fragile colonies are only here for a small part of the season and it calls for tolerance and patience by the community. Council will be working closely with the NSW Department of Planning & Environment and WIRES Central West to deliver the Little Aussie Battlers campaign.

“Throughout the year, flying-foxes migrate up and down eastern Australia, to wherever their feed plants are flowering, meaning local camp numbers fluctuate from season to season, year to year,” he said.

“Like FIFO workers – flying-foxes fly in and fly out, working the night shift and leaving their camps at dusk to feed on flowering or fruiting plants and trees, then spreading these seeds up to a 50km stretch of land every night before heading back to camp to sleep through the day.

“We hope our communities can allow these Little Aussie Battlers to continue to do their incredible job of maintaining the health of our magnificent Australian native forests and ensuring the wellbeing and survival of our unique Australian native flora and fauna.”

For more information visit Council’s website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au, follow Council’s Sustainable Bathurst Facebook page or visit http://littleaussiebat.com.au

ENDS

Media Officer