FAQs

The Grey-headed Flying-fox is a threatened species, which means they are at risk of becoming extinct in the medium-term future. Their numbers have declined significantly in recent times due to habitat clearing for development and the effects of climate change. Their role as pollinators and seed dispersers is critical and due to their loss of habitat they are increasingly moving into urban areas. Visit Grey-headed flying-fox | Australian threatened animals | NSW National Parks for further information.

This camp was first formally recorded in July 2016, and since then only grey-headed flying-foxes have occupied the site. The number of flying-foxes has ranged from 10 to around 5,000 over this time. This camp is considered to be a permanent camp, as it is occupied year-round.

NSW Health states that there is no risk to the community from flying-foxes provided no handling or direct contact occurs. Although a small percentage of flying-foxes may carry the Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), a vaccine is available which, if administered immediately following a bite or scratch, can prevent the virus from developing. For further information on flying-foxes and health visit Health and handling | Native animals | Environment and Heritage

Do not handle flying-foxes. Call WIRES on 1300 094 737 if you come across an injured, orphaned or dead flying-fox.

Dispersal efforts are rarely successful without substantial vegetation removal, ongoing effort, and considerable expenditure. For instance, the Sydney Botanic Gardens required several years and $1 million for their dispersal project. Flying-foxes typically continue to roost in the vicinity, usually within 600 meters, and often split into multiple nearby locations, with many remaining at the original site. 

Dispersal is considered a harmful activity (level 3 action) and is seldom supported by state and federal authorities due to its low success rates and the high level of harm it causes to flying-foxes. Therefore, Council will not be considering this approach.