Image by René Riegal
Long misunderstood as noisy nuisances, grey-headed flying foxes are emerging as ecological heavyweights with major economic upside. New research shows these native bats play a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal, helping regenerate vast areas of forest—potentially contributing to the growth of more than 90 million trees across Australia.
This natural regeneration directly supports industries like timber and forestry, delivering hundreds of millions of dollars in economic value by reducing the need for costly replanting and boosting long-term resource sustainability. The findings reframe flying foxes not just as environmental contributors, but as powerful, cost-saving assets to the Australian economy.
On the Radio National Breakfast show they discuss this exact topic, listen here to find out more.