Flying Fox (Bat) Management in Katherine
About Flying-Foxes (Bats)
Flying-foxes are nomadic and will roost close to a food source, moving on when food becomes scarce. Both the little red flying-fox and the black flying-fox prefer to roost in dense shady vegetation that provides protection from predators and weather conditions. Within urban areas, the introduced African mahogany is perfect for them.
Before giving birth females make maternal colonies. Research suggests that the same maternal roosting sites are used each year.
Young are dependant on their mothers from the late wet season until the early dry season. About 50% of young die before they reach adulthood. In the wild flying-foxes live for 10 to 20 years.
As with other native wildlife in the Northern Territory, the little red flying-fox and the black flying-fox are protected under section 43 of the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Flying Fox (Bat) Management in Katherine
The black flying-fox (Pteropus alecto) and the little red flying-fox (Pteropus scapulatus) both periodically roost in Katherine.
These species are important to our natural environment as they disperse seeds and pollinate many native plant species.
The Parks and Wildlife service in Katherine addresses issues related to flying-fox roosts in the Katherine town area, including reducing human/flying-fox interaction within the town.
Parks and Wildlife have initiated management practices to reduce the frequency of flying-foxes roosting in Katherine and to help the community learn to live with wildlife.
To decrease the impact of flying-foxes Parks and Wildlife undertake various activities, including:
- Encouraging residents to prune or lop favoured roosting trees like the African mahogany.
- Encouraging tree lopping and pruning of preferred flying-fox roosting sites on public land around Katherine.
- Monitoring the habits and movement of little red flying-foxes.
- Educating the public on how to reduce potential flying-fox roosts around town, for example, alternative garden plants.
- Planting alternative plant species which are of lesser attraction to flying foxes you may eliminate the problem or at least decrease the duration or frequency of visits from flying foxes.
Studying the behaviour of flying-foxes around high voltage structures fitted with various power-line protection devices.
- Collecting and caring for flying-foxes during relocation and pruning.
For information on what you can do to help download the brochure or visit ‘Living with Flying Fox’s' webpage.
Do not handle flying-foxes
Flying-foxes are difficult to handle and only people previously vaccinated and trained in the care and rehabilitation of these animals should do so. If you find a sick or injured flying-fox contact the Parks and Wildlife Service on 8973 8888 or the Wildlife Rescue Service on 0407 934 252.
Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL)
ABL has been identified in several species of flying-fox including the little red flying-fox and the black flying-fox.
The virus can be transmitted from flying-fox and bat saliva to humans via bites and scratches. ABL is not spread in flying-fox urine, blood or faeces and cannot survive outside of the animal’s body for more than a few hours. ABL is not thought to live long in dead flying-foxes.
If you are scratched or bitten by a flying-fox, wash the wound thoroughly with soap under running water. Cover the wound and seek medical advice at your nearest hospital or clinic immediately. Before handling or caring for flying-foxes and bats, people should be vaccinated.
Fruit soiled by flying-fox urine or faeces should be washed before consumption.
For more information contact Disease Control on 8973 9049.
Photographs courtesy of Gary Tabor
Contact Numbers
| Parks and Wildlife Service | (08) 8973 8888 |
| Wildlife Rescue Service | 0407 934 252 |
| Katherine Hospital - Centre for Disease Control | (08) 8973 9049 |
