Grey headed flying fox
Flying foxes in your area
The bank of the Broken Creek in Numurkah is home to small colony of grey headed flying foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) and little red flying foxes (Pteropus scapulatus). They can be seen roosting in the large river red gum trees along the Broken Creek opposite the local pool.
The flying foxes are listed as threatened under both the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. They are also protected under the Victorian Wildlife Act 1975.
(PDF, 2MB)For more information on these usual and interesting creatures(PDF, 3MB) .
Heat stress events
You may notice flying foxes on the ground when temperatures exceed 40°C. Heat stress events are natural, and flying foxes have evolved to deal with temperatures in excess of 40°C for short periods. However, they are not equipped to deal with prolonged temperatures in excess of 40°C, especially when the heat is accompanied by low humidity and hot drying winds.
What should you do if you see a flying fox on the ground?
If you find a flying fox on the ground, do not touch it. Leave it alone and call Bohollow Wildlife Shelter Inc and in public spaces contact Moira Shire Council.
If you are scratched or bitten by a flying fox, you should seek medical assistance immediately.
How can you help flying foxes
Help us to protect these creatures by:
- Leaving them alone.
- Planting native trees and shrubs in your backyard
- Using wildlife friendly netting if you want to protect your fruit trees.
- Avoid using barbed wire fencing.
- Keeping your cat in at night.
What is Moira Doing
Moira Shire is ensuring that the welfare of the colony is managed during the heat stress event by controlling access to the colony area, both to prevent disturbance of the bats but also to guard against members of the public coming into physical contact with bats as they may be lower in the branches and/or on the ground.
Photo taken by Steve Wilson GBCMA