Friends of Bats Newsletter -Spring 2025 Online Now!
Stay up to date and find out what we’ve been up to in our latest newsletter! Missed our last issue? You can catch up and read more here.
We Need Your Help! Urgent Request to End the Shooting of Flying-Foxes in Queensland
Help Stop the Shooting of Flying-Foxes in Queensland
Flying-foxes are essential pollinators and seed dispersers, yet they are still being shot — leaving mothers and their pups to suffer and die. Humane alternatives, like exclusion netting, already exist and work.
Print and download the submission HERE and take action: download the document and send it to the Queensland Government to demand an immediate ban on flying-fox shooting. Your voice can make a real difference.
Nature’s Gardeners: Why Seed Dispersal Matters (and How Flying Foxes Save the Day)
Flying-foxes are some of nature’s most important gardeners. By spreading seeds and pollinating plants, they help forests grow, recover and stay healthy. As they travel long distances to feed, flying-foxes move seeds far from parent trees and carry pollen between flowering plants, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Without them, many native forests would struggle to regenerate, especially after fire or habitat loss.
Click here and discover why seed dispersal matters and how flying-foxes quietly play a crucial role in caring for Australia’s natural landscapes.
Restoring the Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve: 25 Years of Protecting Native Habitat (2000–2025)
Over the past 25 years, habitat restoration in the Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve has progressed from small plant cages to large exclosures that protect native seedlings from swamp wallabies. These efforts, maintained by Bushcare volunteers and Council, have created thriving rainforest patches that support flying-foxes and other wildlife while still leaving food for wallabies outside the fences.
Click here for more information on the full journey and the role of exclosures in restoring Ku-ring-gai’s ecosystem.
Friends of Bats Newsletter -Autumn 2025 Online Now!
Stay up to date and find out what we’ve been up to in our latest newsletter! Missed our last issue? You can catch up and read more here.
Friends of Bats Newsletter -Summer 24-25 Online Now!
Stay up to date and find out what we’ve been up to in our latest newsletter! Missed our last issue? You can catch up and read more here.
Vale Marjorie Beck: A mighty advocate for flying-foxes
Marjorie Beck was a dedicated advocate for flying-fox conservation and bushland restoration, leaving a lasting environmental legacy. Read more about her amazing achievements.
New article: It’s pup season
Susan Parrish Smith tells us of the origins of two pups currently in her care, learn more about what it is like to be a carer here.
New article: Where are our bats?
Flying foxes, large fruit bats essential to Australia’s ecosystems, are on the move. Where are they going? Find out more here.
New article: Discover the live bat cam at Wingham Brush Nature Reserve
Get a close look at grey-headed flying-foxes with the Wingham Brush Nature Reserve’s live bat cam, streaming daily from dawn to dusk. Find out more on the bat cam here.
New Netflix documentary series featuring flying-foxes
A new documentary series titled “Our Living World” has been released on Netflix. Narrated by Cate Blanchett, the series explores the interrelationship of all living things. Be sure to tune in to Episode 4, which features Australian flying-foxes in Sydney!
New article: Why DO we love bats?
Have you ever seen flying-foxes lick their arms to cool down in summer? Did you know flying-foxes constantly reforest habitat? Read more in our latest blog to learn some fun facts about bats and why we love them!
Meet a Bat Night on hold
Until Covid restrictions are lifted to an extent that allows us to accommodate reasonable-sized groups at the local scout hall, regretfully, we will not be able to schedule any further Meet a Bat Nights. We really appreciate and thank you for your patience and understanding!
KBCS – Ku-ring-gai Bat Conservation Society
The aims of the KBCS Inc. are :
- the preservation of the species Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed flying fox)
- the conservation of the colony of this species located in the valley of the Ku-ring-gai
- Flying-fox Reserve, Gordon by the re-establishment of the natural bushland habitat.
- to encourage the management of this colony and its environment in such a manner that the interests of the species and the neighbouring residents are both considered.
- the protection by law of this species and other bat species (Order Chiroptera).
- to encourage research into the Megachiroptera, their biology and importance in the natural ecology of Australia and their effect on commercial fruit crops.
- to encourage the conservation of other bat species wherever their habitat.
- to educate the community on the biology and ecological roles of bats in Australia.
- read more http://sydneybats.org.au/about-kbcs/
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.
BAT VIDEOS
Documentary: Winner of the Best Film Award at the 2014 Cause Film Festival featuring Sarah Curran (deputy chair of KBCS).
Tim Pearson, wildlife ecologist (and KBCS chairman) speaks on behalf of Bats to an appreciative audience in Canberra.
News feature filmed for Globo TV in Brazil about at Centennial Park camp, Gordon camp, and the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park at Calga.
Peter Noble’s entertaining musical Bat Rap with a powerful message.
