Wellington Shire Council’s educational campaign around a widely misunderstood species, the Grey-headed Flying Fox, has returned to Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre in Sale.
Wellington Shire’s resident bat colonies have returned to roost in many areas around the Shire, including a large colony along the shores of Sale's Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt. In response, Council has joined Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue to run a free ‘Bat Chat’ session and set up a temporary display to educate the community around how to safely share the environment with the vulnerable species.
‘Bat Chat’ will run on Tuesday 20 February from 7.30pm. Attendees should meet at Nakunbalook for a short presentation, followed by a short walk to Lake Guyatt to see the bats skim the lake to collect water on their fur before heading out to feed for the evening. Lynne and Chris from Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue will be at Nakunbalook to share stories and answer any questions.
The display will be open at various times throughout February including Monday 19 February from 9.30am until 11.30am, Tuesday 20 February from 10am until 12pm and Friday 23 February from 11am until 1pm.
No bookings are required for the ‘Bat Chat’ session or visiting the display, but people are encouraged to stop by and have a chat about Australia's largest native bat and the crucial role it plays in the health of the bush as a major pollinator.
As part of Council’s Grey-Headed Flying Fox Management Plan, Council is committed to community education around the bats to improve understanding and appreciation of the species.
BACKGROUND:
A Grey-Headed Flying Fox colony has been setting up camp in Sale for more than 10 years. Council has established a Grey-headed Flying Fox Management Plan to manage the coexistence of public recreation and the species' conservation. Bats are foragers and will travel to where food is available, which means that they will likely move on when resources diminish. Council does not have a definitive time frame for how and when this might occur.
Grey-headed Flying Foxes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 as they are a nationally threatened species. Penalties apply for harassing or disturbing them. The bats are sensitive to noise, so it is in their best interests to minimise noise when near them.
Grey-headed flying foxes pose no risk to humans when they are flying overhead or roosting. It is very important that flying foxes are not handled. If you see a bat on the ground or low in trees this indicates it may need help. Do not touch the bat. Alert a wildlife carer by phoning Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue on 0429 930 138 or The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186.