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

Flying-foxes featured in new documentary

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!

Science in the Swamp

Sunday, 18 August 2024 (11 am – 3 pm) Loch Avenue South, Centennial Parklands, Sydney, NSW 2021

Don’t miss this free event – no tickets or registration required! For event details and programme, please visit the official website here. An alternative link is available here.

Science in the Scrub

Sunday, 11 August 2024 (11 am – 3 pm) Lizard Log Amphitheatre, Western Sydney Parklands, The Horsley Drive and Cowpasture Road, Abbotsbury, NSW 2176

Don’t miss this free event – no tickets or registration required! For event details and programme, please visit the official website here. An alternative link is available here.

Friends of Bats Newsletter -Autumn 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

Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Bat Night

Saturday, 11 May 2024 (6 pm – 8 pm) Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, 30 Parke Street, Katoomba

For event details and programme, please visit the official webpage for Bat Night 2024.

Berowra Fauna Fair

Sunday, 17 March 2024 (10 am – 3 pm) Berowra Community and Cultural Facility, The Gully Rd, Berowra, NSW Click here for event details, or see the complete programme on the official webpage.

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!

Bats in Backyards

Do you know what species of microbats are living near you? Join the 2023 – 2024 Bats in Backyards project to become a citizen scientist and find out! Click here to read more…

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.

The Scientist and the Bats

An article on ProPublica tells the story of how scientist Peggy Eby solved the mystery of Hendra virus outbreaks in Australia by observing flying-foxes. Click here to read more.

Meet a Bat Night Cancelled

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!

Friends of Bats Newsletter -Autumn 2021 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

Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve in 2020

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.