| Bat Colonies on the Sunshine Coast. Sibylle, presenter of Pet Purri talks to Tyron De Kauwi about bats on Wednesday 21st April 2021. Tyron is a Natural Areas Conservation Officer at the Sunshine Coast Council. We ask Tyron are bats important for our environment? What would happen if these flying mammals were no longer part of our ecosystem? What can we do to support Council's work on tracking them? |
Bats make up 20% of all mammals and there are 1400 different species of different sizes pretty much all over the world. They are the only mammal capable to sustain flight covering long distances. Our flying foxes bats are nomadic and cover 1000s of kilometer to travel to food sources. While they travel around, they pollinate our native trees and their work creates new forests.
Quote - https://littleaussiebat.com.au
"Flying-foxes are hard-working little Aussies. They are FIFO workers on the night shift – flying out from their camps at dusk to feed on flowering or fruiting plants and trees. And then they do the incredibly important job of spreading pollen and seeds – up to 60,000 seeds each along a 50km stretch of land every night! When their crucial work is done, they head back to camp before dawn to sleep through the day, ready for their next shift. Their contribution to the health of our native forests cannot be overstated......
LEAN CLEAN FLYING MACHINES
Contrary to what you may have heard, flying-foxes are very clean animals that are constantly grooming and cleaning themselves. However, they also communicate by scent. Odours are used to identify camp trees, each other, and also to attract mates. Mothers are able to locate their pups in crèche trees by their scent and calls."
What can we do to support Council's work on tracking them?
Simply Download the tracking app 'Clean Air and Urban Landscapes (CAUL) Urban Wildlife’ app and log any sightings of flying-foxes.
You can record flying-fox sightings from your home or as you go for a walk around your local area.
Quote - https://littleaussiebat.com.au
"Flying-foxes are hard-working little Aussies. They are FIFO workers on the night shift – flying out from their camps at dusk to feed on flowering or fruiting plants and trees. And then they do the incredibly important job of spreading pollen and seeds – up to 60,000 seeds each along a 50km stretch of land every night! When their crucial work is done, they head back to camp before dawn to sleep through the day, ready for their next shift. Their contribution to the health of our native forests cannot be overstated......
LEAN CLEAN FLYING MACHINES
Contrary to what you may have heard, flying-foxes are very clean animals that are constantly grooming and cleaning themselves. However, they also communicate by scent. Odours are used to identify camp trees, each other, and also to attract mates. Mothers are able to locate their pups in crèche trees by their scent and calls."
What can we do to support Council's work on tracking them?
Simply Download the tracking app 'Clean Air and Urban Landscapes (CAUL) Urban Wildlife’ app and log any sightings of flying-foxes.
You can record flying-fox sightings from your home or as you go for a walk around your local area.
Please do NOT touch any bat! In South-east Queensland report all sick and injured bats to the Wildcare Hotline on 07 5527 2444 or the RSPCA Queensland on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).
