Forest Superstars and Long-distance Pollinators
Have you ever wondered how our stunning eucalypt forests stay vibrant and thriving? Much of this vitality is thanks to flying-foxes, which play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal—each flying-fox can spread up to 60,000 seeds each night across a 50-kilometre stretch!
Flying-foxes are both colonial and nomadic, traveling vast distances of up to 6,000 kilometres annually to follow the seasonal flowering of eucalypts and other native plants. One grey-headed flying-fox was even tracked covering an astounding 12,337 kilometers in one year between Melbourne and central Queensland. These nocturnal pollinators are currently drawn to areas where abundant food and habitat provide a perfect environment for raising the next generation of these essential forest guardians.
A Temporary Surge Tied to Nature
For over 20 years, the Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) staff have observed the presence of flying-foxes, with active monitoring by ecologists for the past five years. This year, however, a significant increase in activity at Wauchope’s Yippin Creek camp has captured attention.
The Yippin Creek camp, typically home to about 2,000 flying-foxes and vacant for months at a time throughout the year, has experienced a dramatic increase in size. This surge is due to a flowering event in the hinterland, coinciding with the Grey-headed flying fox birthing season from October to December. Byron, the PMHC ecologist who manages the camp, recorded 75,000 flying-foxes at Yippin Creek. He explains, “Flying-fox mothers carry their young while foraging at night, while older juveniles remain in the camp. This surge in activity is temporary, and the camp is expected to return to its usual size once the young are mature enough to fly and the flowering season concludes.”
Community Rescue and Support
The local wildlife rescue organisation, FAWNA Wildlife Rescue Inc. has been crucial in supporting flying-foxes in need. FAWNA is licenced to rescue and rehabilitate native animals. One carer recently cared for two orphaned pups from the camp, mimicking maternal care to comfort them. The FAWNA Bat Coordinator Rachael stated, “Alone in the day- not okay! Flying-foxes are colonial creatures, and being alone during the day may indicate distress.” If you encounter a flying-fox in distress, FAWNA operates a 24/7 rescue hotline at 6581 4141 with vaccinated and trained volunteers ready to rescue and rehabilitate.
Supporting a Healthy Ecosystem
The current influx of flying-foxes is a natural and temporary event. The animals are in good health, indicated by their strong body condition, and will likely move on once their young are independent or the flowering season ends.
Both the PMHC and FAWNA will continue monitoring the camp and support these important creatures. Their presence is a reminder of the intricate connections between wildlife and the environment. By coexisting and supporting these animals, we contribute to the health and sustainability of our local ecosystems.
Let’s work together to celebrate and protect these remarkable animals that help keep our forests thriving!
Environment Matters
Interested in community news with a sustainable focus?
Environment matters is our way to keep you up to date on all the things Council’s Education Team is doing with a spotlight on sustainability. Each month we send an e-newsletter containing information about current environmental and sustainability topics from within Council and the wider community.
