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Australasian Bat Society
Project mission
Project mission
The ACT flying-fox monitoring program is dedicated to the conservation of Australian flying-foxes by gathering essential data on their populations, movements, and habitat use. Through continued observation of their numbers, species, and environmental and behavioural dynamics at Commonwealth Park and Lake Ginninderra, we contribute to national conservation efforts; ensuring these vital pollinators and seed dispersers continue to support Australia’s ecosystems.
This project is coordinated by the Australasian Bat Society in partnership with the National Capital Authority, the ACT Government, and the National Flying-fox Monitoring Program.
About flying-foxes
About flying-foxes
Keystone species
Keystone species
Australian flying-foxes (also known as fruit bats) are our largest flying mammals. Their energy for flight is reliant upon a sugar-rich diet from native hardwoods, native seed-heavy fruits and berries, and more recently, cultivated fruits and introduced species found in urban backyards.
Their mobility makes flying-foxes keystone pollinators and seed dispersers (some have been observed dispersing 500 km in 2 days!). However, their effectiveness is reliant on large populations.
Grey-headed flying-foxes
Grey-headed flying-foxes
The grey-headed flying-fox (GHFF, Pteropus poliocephalus) is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999. This national legislation affords this species protections and safeguards to prevent population decline.
Grey-headed flying-fox, Wild Photos by Justin Welbergen
Little red flying-fox, Wild Photos by Justin Welbergen
Flying-foxes in Canberra
Flying-foxes in Canberra
GHFFs are predominantly distributed along the eastern coast of Australia, with a few camps (often non-permanent locations) extending to inland regions.
Historical records show that before 2003, GHFFs had been observed as an occasional visitor to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). A search of museum records and historical databases between 1965–2002 revealed 12 records of GHFF in Canberra.
Commonwealth Park
Commonwealth Park
Commonwealth Park has been a seasonal roosting site (or camp) for flying-foxes since 2003, with the ABS regularly surveying the camp ever since.
Lake Ginninderra
Lake Ginninderra
In recent years, flying-foxes began occasionally roosting at Lake Ginninderra, usually when the colony at Commonwealth Park becomes 'large' (>5000).
In 2021, this included a small group of little red flying-foxes (LRFFs, Pteropus scapulatus). While GHFFs have grey faces, silver–black fur to their knees, and an orange collar, LRFFs are less than half their size, and have red-brown fur and more translucent wings.
Surveys
Surveys
Why do surveys?
Why do surveys?
Since 2013, the ABS has been using the CSIRO flying-fox census method to conduct:
Flying-fox surveys at Commonwealth Park on behalf of the NCA, and
Quarterly censuses for the Commonwealth and ACT Governments as part of the National Flying-fox Monitoring Program.
By monitoring the number, species, and density of flying-foxes at Commonwealth Park and Lake Ginninderra, as well as the environmental conditions, we aim to establish baseline information that could assist in managing the camp should it become of higher conservation importance in the future.
When are surveys?
When are surveys?
We aim to conduct one survey each week on a weekend morning, throughout the warmer months when the GHFFs and LRFFs are dispersed throughout the southern part of their distribution (Oct–May).
Flying-foxes tend to migrate north to follow their primary diet when it gets cold - so generally there are no surveys in winter.
How do you count them?
How do you count them?
We walk beneath the colony, and count the number of bats in each tree (see the map on the right). Once we're finished counting, we add up the number bats in each tree 'type' (see the shapes on the map).
Since the bats are often chatting and moving around during the day, they are easy to find. If you're lucky, you can see mothers and pups!
How long does it take?
How long does it take?
While counting bats isn't difficult, it can take some time. Depending on how many individuals are present, a survey can take between 15 mins (0–300 bats) to 3 hrs (5,000–9,000 bats).
Surveys are usually conducted by one person, however in Feb–Mar when the numbers reach their peak, we try to have multiple people counting so it doesn't take too long.
What do I need?
Time: What do I need?
A free morning on the weekend
Your phone
A datasheet (provided) and a clipboard
While not required, if you have binoculars these can help you spot pups.
Clothing:A hat
Sunglasses
Closed-toe shoes
Non-white coloured clothing (in case of droppings)
A high-vis vest if you have one, in case there is an event or construction within Commonwealth Park
Water and snacks!
You'll need to take regular breaks to avoid craning your neck upwards for too long, and keep your mouth closed while counting(!). You can also listen to music or a podcast through earphones so long as you can keep count at the same time.
Map of tree types (shapes) and paths at the Commonwealth Park flying-fox camp
But aren't bats dangerous?
But aren't bats dangerous?
Despite being incredibly important for the health of our forest and woodland ecosystems (#notreenome), flying-foxes often get a bad rap. Their immune system is so advanced that they can withstand a much greater load of pathogens, which can make them reservoirs for diseases like Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) and Hendra virus.
No touch, no risk
No touch, no risk
However, the likelihood of contracting ABLV or Hendra virus from a bat is exactly zero if you do not touch them.
I've found a bat that needs help!
I've found a bat that needs help!
If you ever find a sick, injured, or orphaned bat, contact your local wildlife rescue organisation. In Canberra, this is ACT Wildlife (0432 300 033). Any bat observed hanging low or apart from the rest should be reported.
What can I do to help bats?
What can I do to help bats?
Despite megabats (like flying-foxes) being important pollinators, and microbats being important for insectivores, many species are threatened by habitat destruction, diseases, and human persecution.
There are many ways you can help protect your local bats:
- Keep cats indoors
Domestic cats are known to attack microbats while hunting at night. Building a catio or keeping them indoors is the best way to keep these species apart.
- Install a bat box
Microbat boxes provide a roosting spot while also encouraging your local microbats to control insects.
- Avoid using pesticides
Pesticides can harm microbats that feed on insects, and megabats that feed in trees.
Wildlife can easily become injured and die due to large-mesh garden netting entanglement. Swap these for safe meshing that you can't poke your finger through when pulled taught.
- Keep old and dead trees (if not hazardous)
Old and dead trees often have hollows, which provide excellent roosting habitat for microbats.
- Turn off unnecessary lights outside
Light pollution can disrupt how bats navigate at night. As an added bonus, this saves electricity!
- Be an ambassador
Learn about bats, and spread awareness of how amazing and important bats are to the people you know.
- Volunteer
Join your local wildlife rescue organisation or bat research project - like ours!
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