Flying Foxes
Overview
In recent years the Japanese Garden has been host to a colony of flying foxes. The presence of the colony has generated significant interest, and on 2 April, 2009, a Community Discussion was held at USQ regarding the presence of the flying foxes.
Background
The first 'scouts' arrived late in 2007 leading to the initial colony being established early in 2008. At that time it was estimated to contain around 300-400 animals.
This grew to around 800 flying foxes by August of 2008. In September the animals moved on. They returned 6 weeks later (around late October) with an estimated number of 700. The colony steadily increased in size to a peak in March 2009 of around 2500 – 3000, with a mix of species (grey, black and red flying foxes). USQ counted again in April and the estimate is now about 1800 animals.
It's also worth noting that the colony is roosting through a range of trees, seeming to select the taller, older trees rather than any particular variety.
Agency responses
USQ
The University is acutely aware of the issue, and has been taking steps to find ways of managing the colony. A risk assessment (PDF 187KB) was prepared for USQ by Queensland Laboratory that identifies some of the risks posed by the flying foxes and suggests some management options. You can also download a copy of USQ's presentation (PDF 681KB) from the forum.
Update, 27 April: By working closely with the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a decision has been made to lower the crowns of selected trees in the Japanese Garden. This will hopefully deter the flying foxes from roosting in these trees, due to both the shorter height and the noise produced by the operation. A tendering process to select suitable contractors is currently in progress, and work will commence once this is completed.
As of late April, the current population is estimated to be 700-800 animals. This represents a significant drop from recent months, and is likely due to the cooler autumn weather.
Update, 22 May: USQ has appointed a qualified arborist contractor to perform the canopy-lowering work in the Japanese Garden. Work is scheduled to commence on 2 June and will progress over a period of several weeks.
The current population estimate is 300 animals.
Update, 4 November: In spite of the tree canopy lowering, some flying foxes have returned to the Japanese Garden. They started appearing on the weekend of 31 October - 1 November, and current estimates are approximately 600-700 animals. USQ is communicating with the EPA to monitor the situation and determine what options exist for managing the colony.
Update, 10 November: USQ Senior Management and Grounds staff met with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), a division of the Queensland EPA, to discuss the new Flying Fox colony. Initial advice from QPWS is that the colony can not be disturbed at this time of year as they are entering their birthing season. The number of Flying Foxes in the Gardens at present is estimated to be less than 100. The University and QPWS will continue to monitor the situation.
Update, 16 November: The Flying Foxes have left the garden. At today’s count there were zero animals present.
Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA provided some options for dealing with flying fox colonies. The EPA web site has extensive information about these animals and how to live with them. Of particular interest, advice about netting fruit trees may assist in controlling the colony by removing easy sources of food for the flying foxes.
Queensland Health
Some local residents have expressed concern over the possible health issues arising from the proximity of the colony to homes. Queensland Health has many publications with valuable advice available on their web site.
RSPCA
RSPCA Queensland has considerable information on their web site about living with native wildlife. The RSPCA also provides services for the care of sick and injured animals. Members of the public can volunteer to become a Wildlife Hero (PDF, 983KB) and assist with rescues, otherwise they can ring the RSPCA's hotline 1 300 ANIMAL (1 300 264 625) to report animals in need of help.