The Port Macquarie flying fox colony is part of the most comprehensive survey of flying foxes ever undertaken, including surveys of the grey-headed species’ entire national range, Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said.
“For some time, local residents living near the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve have complained about the local bat colony.
“I have made several representations to the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Robyn Parker on this issue and the survey being conducted this week will be used to help develop further policies in dealing with colonies near residential areas,” Mrs Williams said.
“While all endangered species need our protection, I fully understand communities’ concerns about flying fox colonies which have made their home in towns like Port Macquarie.
“This breakthrough census will deliver a reliable benc-hmark on the current size of the grey-headed flying fox population in 2013 and hopes to give an indication of population trends at the end of four years.
“It is a critical step in gathering important information to assist many communities like ours to manage the impacts of flying fox camps and to contribute to the conservation of the species.
“The grey-headed flying fox needs our protection but we also need to ensure that camps located near schools, homes and parks are managed to avoid creating unreasonable difficulties for local communities.
“The Office of Environment and Heritage will be using new scientific techniques to establish reliable information on population trends,” Mrs Williams said.
The National Flying Fox Monitoring Program will comprise the first full national population census of grey-headed flying foxes throughout NSW, Queensland, Victoria, the ACT and South Australia.
The census will involve quarterly counts every year for the next four years and
will be conducted simultan-eously across every single known daytime roost in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, the ACT and South Australia in February, May, July and November each year.
“In NSW the effort is being co-ordinated by the Office
of Environment and Heritage and has gained unprecedented support from community volunteers, OEH staff, local councils and catchment management authorities,” Mrs Williams said.
