The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has issued a plea for Berry and Shoalhaven communities on the State’s south-eastern coast to help protect endangered grey-headed flying-foxes.
The call for help follows the flying-foxes recently forming a camp in the area.
Acting Senior Team Leader, Ecosystems and Threatened Species at DPIE, Lorraine Oliver said the camp supported babies that were entirely dependent on their mothers.
“Grey-headed flying-foxes are a threatened species that have experienced a sharp decline in their population across Australia,” Ms Oliver said.
“They play a vital role in eucalypt pollination and tropical seed dispersion, which can help with the subtropical rainforest in the area,” she said.
“The property owners and the surrounding community of the Berry camp have worked closely with Shoalhaven City Council and the Department to find the best ways to cope with living so close to a flying-fox camp.”
Ms Oliver said Saving our Species specialists at DPIE and the Council had organised vegetation removal as well as funding for pool covers and high-pressure hoses, all “while being careful not to harm or disturb the flying-foxes”.
“We know that living near a flying-fox camp can sometimes be difficult as they can be noisy, smelly and sometimes their droppings land on clothes, cars and outdoor areas,” she said.
“However, extensive research has shown there is no way to move a flying-fox camp without risking them forming a new camp in a nearby location, causing more residents to be impacted.”
She advised residents to avoid disturbing the flying-foxes during the day as this stressed the animals and caused them to fly, swirl and screech.
“It can also lead to the death of their babies when they are accidently dropped by their mothers.”
Ms Oliver asked residents to report any disturbance of the camp to the Environment Line on 131 555.
