Reproduction

Males are sexually mature by 30 months and females by age two.
From January each mature male marks his territory in a tree with secretions from scent gland on his shoulders. He defends it vigorously from other males with wing-spreading threat displays and loud calls.
Females chose a male, and may stay with him for weeks or only a few days.
If a female moves to another camp where food is more plentiful, she will roost in the territory of a male.
Mating behavior begins in January – February and continues through to April – May when conception occurs.
Flying-foxes do not form lifelong relationships.

Find out more about flying-fox sex from a program broadcast on The Science Show (Radio National) in which Dr Peggy Eby was interviewed.

After 6 months gestation, females give birth to one pup in spring (mid September to November).
Most give birth in the tree tops of the camp.
First the head appears and the mother licks her pup.
The female clings to branches with her thumbs and toes and forms a u-shaped body sling during the birth.
Newborns are caught and supported until they get a good hold with their claws in her fur and hold on to a teat with their mouth.
There is one teat beneath each wingpit.
Newborn pups are well furred except on their tummy which is against mother’s body to keep warm.
Their eyes are open.
They weigh about 80grams , about 10% of mother’s weight.

A mother flying-fox protects her pup with her wings during the day and takes the infant clinging to her body while flying in search of food.
Once pups are 15 -17 days old and able to regulate their own body temperature they are left overnight in the camp.
Pups do not recognise their mothers but mothers identify them using smell and sound.
At 10-14 weeks old they begin flying between trees within the camp.
In January – February they begin flying out of the camp short distances with the adults.
Pups begin to be weaned in late March and only a few are still suckling in early May.