Flying foxes

Little red flying foxes at Redcliffe Botanic Gardens

Flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, are the largest flying mammals on earth. Three species live in Moreton Bay. The black flying fox and the grey-headed flying fox are usually present all year round. The little red flying fox is a nomadic visitor.

They are native animals. The State Nature Conservation Act (1992) protects all 3 species. The grey-headed flying fox is vulnerable under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999).

They are intelligent and social animals that are critical long-distance pollinators of many native tree species including Eucalypts.

All 3 species will roost together communally during the day. When the little red flying foxes return to Moreton Bay in warmer months, they can swell roost numbers by tens of thousands. This can create the perception of a population explosion. However, they give birth to only one pup per year.

The areas where humans and fruit bats live are overlapping more. This is due to ongoing habitat loss and roost sites becoming established in urban areas.

Living with flying foxes

Council takes a balanced approach to roost management. We work to support residents' well-being while maintaining responsible wildlife management.

Council does not reimburse residents for work to mitigate the impacts of flying foxes. Residents affected by fruit bats and looking for advice on living with the species can contact Council. 

Find out more in Council’s Statement of management intent - flying fox colonies(PDF, 6MB).

Flying foxes and your health

Less than one percent of fruit bats carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus. A bat bite, scratch or exposure to bat saliva through your eyes, nose or mouth is necessary to transmit the virus.

You are not at risk of catching the virus through contact with their urine or faeces. Living, playing or walking near their roosts is also not a risk. Find out more about Australian bat lyssavirus.

Do not attempt to handle an injured flying fox. An injured animal is more likely to defend itself if stressed or provoked. Find out how to help sick or injured wildlife.

Dispersing roosts is not the answer

Council does not support dispersing flying fox roosts. Dispersal means using smoke, noise or light to encourage them to move elsewhere.

This approach is not effective in managing flying foxes. They will continue to return to the original roost site. Dispersal efforts would need to happen over a prolonged period to be effective.

Dispersed fruit bats do not move far. Dispersal can cause one roost to break up into several new roosts.

This makes dispersal expensive with a poor chance of success. It can also increase the level of conflict in the community.

Local Governments' management of roosts in urban areas is guided by the Code of Practice - Ecologically sustainable management of flying fox roosts.

Council’s flying fox management projects

Council monitors flying fox numbers at known roosts throughout the year. We use the data to inform wildlife management. View Council’s monitoring data.

Council has received funding from the State Government to mitigate the impacts of flying fox colonies on the community.

Several projects are underway, including:

  • Developing a ten-year regional management plan for roosts. This project is in collaboration with 12 other local councils.
  • Roost habitat predictive modelling and analysis of historic roost sites.
  • DNA analysis of urban fruit bat diets. The information will inform landscape planning and guidance materials. 
  • Moving a footpath and park furniture away from a roost at Sweeney Reserve, Petrie. Signage was also added.
  • Adding an overhanging roof beneath an existing roost at Shirley Creek, Bongaree. Signage was also added. 
  • Delivering a city-wide community education program. The program focuses on the important role of flying foxes and living with them. This includes developing an interactive, digital touchscreen display.
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