Flying foxes and microbats
RESCUE ADVICE
Members of the community must not handle flying-foxes or microbats.
If you are bitten or scratched by a flying-fox:
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wash the wound immediately, but gently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 5 minutes
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apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine
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consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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Common reasons for rescue include:
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Entanglement with nets used for fruit trees in gardens
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Entanglement with fencing and barbed wire
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Heat exhaustion during extreme weather events
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Electrocution from power lines
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If you find a sick, injured or entangled flying fox or microbat:
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do not touch the animal
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if it is exposed to further danger or heat stress, place an umbrella or cool towel over the animal
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call the Wildlife Rescue Hotline 0418 628 483 so a vaccinated and trained rescuer with the correct PPE and equipment can attend.
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if you find a flying fox or microbat in low bushes or on the ground call the rescue hotline
Lyssavirus
Who is at risk?
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Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) is a virus that can be transmitted from bats to humans. ABLV is only spread through contact with infected saliva. It is not spread through flying fox urine or droppings.
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It is mandatory that anyone working with these animals is vaccinated as a safety precaution. In Australia, only 3 cases of infection have been recorded since the virus was identified in 1996.
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If you are bitten or scratched by a flying-fox or microbat seek medical attention immediately.
Common species in the Hunter Valley
FLYING FOXES
NSW is home to several flying fox species. These bats play a crucial ecological role as pollinators and seed dispersers, aiding in the health and diversity of native flora. However, their population faces threats from habitat loss, climate change, and conflicts with humans due to their interactions with urban areas and orchards. Conservation efforts aim to balance the protection of flying foxes and the sustainable management of their habitats.
Read more about these amazing Little Aussie Battlers.
Grey-headed Flying Fox
Pteropus poliocephalus
The grey-headed flying-fox is easily recognisable by its rusty reddish-coloured collar, grey head and hairy legs. Adults have an average wingspan up to 1 metre and can weigh up to 1 kilogram. It is also the most vulnerable species because it competes with humans for prime coastal habitat along the south-east Queensland, NSW and Victorian coasts.
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Traditional grey-headed flying-fox habitat is located within 200km of the eastern coast of Australia, from Bundaberg in Queensland to Melbourne in Victoria.
Little Red Flying Fox
Pteropus scapulatus
With a weight of 300–600 grams, the little red flying-fox is the smallest Australian flying-fox. It has reddish brown-coloured fur. Little reds will often fly much further inland than other flying-foxes.
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Little-red flying-foxes are the most widespread species of megabat in Australia. They occupy a broad range of habitats found in northern and eastern Australia including Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.
Black Flying Fox
Pteropus alecto
Recognizable by its dark fur and impressive wingspan, Black Flying Fox wingspans often reach up to a meter! These foragers play a vital role in ecosystem health by pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds as they feed on nectar, fruits, and blossoms.
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Conservation efforts aim to protect their habitats and ensure the survival of this important species.
MICROBATS
There are 23 microbat species in the Hunter, five of which are threatened locally. They are very small, about the same size as your thumb, have small eyes and use echolocation to find food. They roost in various places such as under loose bark, inside tree hollows and hollow logs, as well as hanging out in caves.
Read more about these incredible creatures.
Eastern Free-tailed Bat
Mormopterus ridei
This bat belongs to a group with mouse like tails; it is one of the fastest flying of all bats and is suited to foraging in open areas.
It is one of the most common and widespread species, found in a wide variety of habitats including creeks, reserves, golf courses, ovals and farmland.
Large Forest Bat
Vespadelus darlingtoni
Despite its name this bat weighs about the same as a 10 cent coin! It is one of two species of forest bat that is largely restricted to bushland, where it roosts in tree hollows and forages in gaps in the tree canopy. Its range of habitats include bushland pockets and more leafy suburbs.
Eastern Bentwing Bat
Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis
Its natural roosts are deep caves and it can roost in large colonies with hundreds of individuals. In urban areas it also uses structures such as old railway tunnels and military bunkers, stormwater tunnels, bridges, and culverts. Female bentwing bats join maternity colonies at caves in late spring, where they give birth and raise their young.
Wildlife-friendly fruit tree and vegetable garden netting
Tree netting is a popular way to protect fruit from wildlife, but the wrong type of netting can be deadly. Hungry animals are easily caught in tree and vegetable netting with a mesh size greater than 1cm square.
Wildlife friendly netting should have a mesh size of less than 5 mm.
Use the ‘finger test’ - choose netting that you cannot poke your finger through.
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