If you're thinking you've seen more than the usual number of grey-headed flying-foxes around Wollongong for the past couple of months – you would be correct.
That's because, the local eucalyptus trees have been in in full bloom and the nomadic grey-headed flying-foxes have arrived in greater numbers than usual.
"At Council we're hearing more from our community about flying-fox activity across suburbs like Figtree and Dapto where there are established populations living in what's known as camps,'' Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"These are nomadic creatures and they are known to move about throughout the year as they look for food. We've also heard from residents who have seen more flying-foxes roosting in suburbs like Mangerton where there have not traditionally been camps."
As the weather changes and the eucalypts are flowering less it looks like many of the flying-foxes are moving on to new camps.
Lorraine Oliver, the Senior Team Leader of the Ecosystems and Threatened Species Illawarra team of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, said at this time of year it's not unusual to see a changes in flying-fox numbers as they move across the landscape seeking food.
"While we don't know how flying-foxes communicate about where to congregate, and how they know that there is plenty of food available in one place, we do know that the number of flying-foxes in an area is almost always directly related to how much food is available – lots of food equals lots of flying-foxes, is pretty much the rule of thumb,'' Ms Oliver said.
Ms Oliver said for those who live close to flying-foxes, there are steps they can take to reduce any impact such as bringing washing off the line before sundown. Other suggestions include washing flying-fox poo off your property with a garden hose as soon as possible. Soapy water can help with tougher marks.
While flying-foxes can be an impressive sight as they fly out of their camps around dusk to forage for food and during their dawn return, they're also performing an important function for the local environment.
"Flying-foxes are important pollinators and their eating and flying habits help to disperse seeds for many native plants, including rainforest species,'' Cr Brown said.
"They're listed as a threatened species because of their declining population so while they might be disruptive, it's vital for our local environment that these fantastic creatures go about their daily routines without interruption.''
Cr Brown said people should never touch a flying-fox, alive or dead. While there is no evidence people can catch Hendra virus from flying-foxes, Australian bat lyssavirus can be spread to other animals and people through a bite or scratch from an infected bat. If you have had exposure to a flying fox and are concerned, seek medical assistance immediately. For general concerns or questions about health risks call the public health unit on 1300 066 055.
