New article: Flying-foxes under threat – The effects of droughts and heat events

Hot Australian summers are tough on everyone – including our flying-foxes, find out the effects it can have.

New article: Discover the live bat cam at Wingham Brush Nature Reserve

Get a close look at grey-headed flying-foxes with the Wingham Brush Nature Reserve’s live bat cam, streaming daily from dawn to dusk. Find out more on the bat cam here.

Friends of Bats Newsletter -Winter 2024 Edition out now

Stay up to date and find out what we’ve been up to in our latest newsletter! Missed our last issue? You can catch up and read more here.

New Netflix documentary series featuring flying-foxes

A new documentary series titled “Our Living World” has been released on Netflix. Narrated by Cate Blanchett, the series explores the interrelationship of all living things. Be sure to tune in to Episode 4, which features Australian flying-foxes in Sydney!

New article: Why DO we love bats?

Have you ever seen flying-foxes lick their arms to cool down in summer? Did you know flying-foxes constantly reforest habitat? Read more in our latest blog to learn some fun facts about bats and why we love them!

New article: Getting to know flying-fox food

What do flying-foxes like to eat? (Hint: it depends on the season and what’s flowering!) This autumn, watch as the canopies of red bloodwoods turn white with flowers, attracting flying-foxes to feast on nectar. Read our blog to find out more about this vital food source.

Meet a Bat Night on hold

Until Covid restrictions are lifted to an extent that allows us to accommodate reasonable-sized groups at the local scout hall, regretfully, we will not be able to schedule any further Meet a Bat Nights. We really appreciate and thank you for your patience and understanding!

Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve

Find out what’s been happening with flying-foxes at Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve, with this update from Nancy, including repairs of storm damaged exclosures, new volunteers, and exciting bird observations… read more

KBCS – Ku-ring-gai Bat Conservation Society

The aims of the KBCS Inc. are :

the preservation of the species Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed flying fox)
the conservation of the colony of this species located in the valley of the Ku-ring-gai
Flying-fox Reserve, Gordon by the re-establishment of the natural bushland habitat.
to encourage the management of this colony and its environment in such a manner that the interests of the species and the neighbouring residents are both considered.
the protection by law of this species and other bat species (Order Chiroptera).
to encourage research into the Megachiroptera, their biology and importance in the natural ecology of Australia and their effect on commercial fruit crops.
to encourage the conservation of other bat species wherever their habitat.
to educate the community on the biology and ecological roles of bats in Australia.
read more http://sydneybats.org.au/about-kbcs/

Bats are important because…

Nectar and fruit feeding bats are vital to forest regeneration as pollinators and dispersers of rainforest seeds. Insect-eating bats play an important role in the natural control of insect population.