THE Southern Downs Regional Council has been monitoring a colony of flying foxes in Stanthorpe, which have taken up residence above the ‘Red Bridge’ on Quart Pot Creek.
The council’s director of planning, environmental and corporate services Ken Harris said a council officer had inspected the area.
“The animals appear to be grey-headed flying foxes and, although there are anecdotal reports of ’thousands’ of these animals, the estimate is that there is somewhere between 300 to 500 hundred flying foxes in various locations along Quart Pot Creek,” Mr Harris said.
Mr Harris said one particular roost was identified in poplar trees in Lions Park close to Ergon Energy.
He said this area had been cordoned off due to flying fox droppings.
“Council staff will take steps to clean the area in and around the Lions Park picnic tables in the lead-up to Christmas,” Mr Harris said.
“Council has also been liaising with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection regarding the roosts.”
Mr Harris said while there had been substantial damage to stone fruit and other crops, it was important to remember grey-headed flying foxes were a protected species.
“Primary producers, and in particular fruit growers, that are concerned about damage being sustained to their crops by flying foxes, can apply to the DEHP for a Damage Mitigation Permit to undertake lethal control on their properties,” he said.
“Growers should contact the department direct for information about such permits.”
Mr Harris said while the council was continuing to monitor the flying foxes, it was not looking at moving the colonies on.
He reaffirmed a small percentage of flying foxes carry the Lyssavirus.
“If you find a sick, injured or orphaned flying fox or bat, do not touch it,” he said.
For further information about flying foxes visit the council’s website or the DEHP’s website.
