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Flying foxes are large bats of the Suborder Megachiroptera and they occur in parts of Australia, some Pacific and Indian Ocean Islands, South East Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa.  They are quite a novelty for people from other countries, and Australia is in fact one of the best places to see some of these animals. Unlike small bats, flying foxes form daytime ‘camps’ where they may congregate in large numbers and be easily observed and photographed (with a longish lens).  There are four relatively common species and with some planning, you will have a chance to see them all. You will certainly see at least two!  Some locations:

1) The Sydney Botanic Gardens is home to a large (and increasing!) colony of Grey-headed Flying Foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus). The Gardens are close to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, so a map shouldn’t be necessary. Be aware however, that the Garden’s management is concerned about the damage being done to some of the trees and is going to attempt to frighten the bats out of this site soon. Stay tuned and I will see if I can bring you updates!

2) Woodend in Ipswich, just west of Brisbane. This is a large colony and although species and numbers vary across the seasons, you may well get to see three species here; Grey-headed Flying Foxes (P. poliocephalus), Black Flying Foxes (P. alecto) and Little Red Flying Foxes (P. scapulatus).  Best views are obtained from the suburban roads that border the site. The vegetation itself is quite dense in places and if you attempt to enter the area, you will probably frighten the bats and pick up some paralysis ticks for your trouble (more on them in another post when I get time!).  The location is shown on this Google Maps Link: Pteropus Conservation Park.

3) The Tolga Scrub near Atherton in north Queensland. This site usually has a reasonably large colony of Spectacled Flying Foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus). Occasionally the site may also have Little Reds present. You can walk into this site along some of the walking tracks but be careful not to disturb the bats. There are also other dangers in there! Stinging trees (Dendrochnide spp) are rapidly growing colonisers of disturbed rainforest and in some areas, flank the edge of the tracks. They have large rounded leaves and bear numerous stinging hairs. If you brush into one of these, you will immediately lose all interest in photographing flying foxes!  It is often better to stay on the ouside of the reserve or to only go on open, unobstructed tracks.   This species, together with the Grey-headed Flying Fox, is listed as a threatened species and afforded special Federal protection. The  colony at Tolga is the subject of considerable conservation attention.  See this link for further information: Tolga Bat Hospital. The site is shown here: Tolga Bat Colony.

(There are many more bat photos in the Photo Library- Orange link at in the top right corner)

Little Red Flying Foxes

Little Red Flying Foxes in flight

Black Flying Foxes

Spectacled Flying Foxes

Grey-headed Flying Foxes