Flying-foxes

The four-mainland flying‑fox species found in Ingham are: 

• Little Red Flying‑Fox (Pteropus scapulatus) 

• Black Flying‑Fox (Pteropus alecto) 

• Spectacled Flying‑Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) 

• Grey‑Headed Flying‑Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) 

Flying‑foxes are the only mammals capable of true flight.

Their wings are formed by membranes stretched between elongated fingers, and they belong to the order Chiroptera, meaning hand‑wing. 

Flying‑foxes play a critical role in the environment, particularly in: 

• Pollination of native plants 

• Seed dispersal across long distances 

Because they can travel great distances, flying‑foxes help regenerate forests and maintain biodiversity in a way no other animal can. 

Despite their importance, flying‑fox numbers are declining.

The Spectacled Flying‑Fox and Grey‑Headed Flying‑Fox are listed as Vulnerable under Federal legislation. 

Living near a flying‑fox roost can be challenging. Flying‑foxes can be noisy while roosting, particularly in the late afternoon before they fly out at dusk. Once in flight, they are silent. 

Steps that may help reduce impacts include: 

• Planting low shrubs and removing large trees close to the house 

• Avoiding fruit trees or netting them to prevent feeding 

• Avoiding disturbance of the roost (undisturbed roosts are quieter) 

• Installing a first‑flush system on rainwater tanks 

• Bringing washing in overnight 

• Keeping pet and livestock food and water under cover 

• Using double‑glazed windows or air‑conditioning to reduce noise and odour

A flying‑fox that is alone during the day is likely injured and unable to return to the roost.

Injury can occur during competition for food, sometimes resulting in broken wings. 

If you find an injured or orphaned flying‑fox 

• Do not touch it 

• Contact North Queensland Wildlife Care Inc. on 0414 717 374 

If you find a dead flying‑fox 

• Use gloves, a towel or a shovel to safely handle it 

• Place it in your household wheelie bin 

In 2013, the Queensland Government granted councils an ‘as of right’ authority to manage flying‑fox roosts in defined areas. 

Any management activities must comply with the Code of Practice – Ecologically Sustainable Management of Flying‑Fox Roosts, which sets strict criteria for what actions are permitted. 

Managing a flying‑fox roost usually involves attempting to disperse animals. While dispersal may move flying‑foxes away from one location, there is no control over where they will resettle. Colonies may: 

• Split into smaller roosts 

• Relocate to residential areas, school grounds or public spaces 

• Remain close to their original location 

Because of this, roost management is complex and carefully regulated. 

 Current declared Ingham roost area (Department of Environment and Science) 

Ecosure Report - Ingham Flying-Fox Roost Management Advice(PDF, 3MB)

Ecosure Report - Ingham Memorial Gardens - Roost Remediation Works(PDF, 2MB)

• Flying‑foxes have excellent vision and a strong sense of smell 

• They do not use echolocation like microbats 

• They groom frequently and are very clean animals 

• Their musky smell is a natural scent, not urine 

• Flying‑foxes have at least 20 different vocalisations 

• Adult wingspans can reach up to 1.5 metres 

• Natural predators include eagles, owls and pythons 

• People are not at risk from contact with flying‑fox droppings 

• Australian Bat Lyssavirus can only be transmitted through a deep scratch or bite 

• Infection is rare and infected animals usually die quickly