Sydney's bats . . .
- The grey-headed flying-fox, the most commonly-seen bat in the Sydney region, is a large nectar- and fruit-eating bat which roosts during the day in large treetop colonies. It's listed as a threatened species (vulnerable to extinction) at state, federal, and international levels. Numbers are declining - from many millions in the 1930's to less than 450,000 in 2004, with an estimated 30% decline in population between 1990 and 2000. A population study (Divljam 2008) suggests the grey-headed flying-fox will be extinct in the wild in around 80-85 years.
- Around 19 species of insect-eating microbats are also found in the Sydney Region.
Bats are important because . . .
- Nectar- and fruit-feeding bats are vital to forest regeneration as pollinators and dispersers of rainforest seeds
- Insect-eating bats play an important role in the natural control of insect population
Don't miss Peter Noble's Bat Rap!
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Battling the heat
Soaring summer temperatures along the east coast of Australia are making life tough for wildlife and humans. Bats, in particular, are battling to survive. Read More
Ku-ring-gai Bat Conservation Society
- A non-profit community organisation working for the conservation of all bat species, especially the grey-headed flying-fox.
- The continued work of KBCS Inc. is reliant on receiving government grants and public donations.
Join our Bushcare Group
- Pleasure and satisfaction are expressed by all who have contributed to restoring flying-fox habitat in Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve.
- Take a refreshing break each week and join our friendly Bushcare team on Tuesday mornings. For more information visit Habitat Restoration Project.
Listen to bats!
Recorded by Tim Pearson at Bellingen in at midday in May, You can hear a variety of flying-fox vocals, ranging from little squeaks and squeals, through to what sounds almost like a donkey braying.
Eastern Whip-birds are also calling in the forest.
Read more about bat vocals