Grey-headed flying-fox facts
Common name: Grey-headed flying-fox
Scientific name: Pteropus poliocephalus
Population: Declining
Conservation status: Vulnerable (National, IUCN)
Grey-headed flying-foxes, Pteropus poliocephalus, skim over a river. Photo: Doug Gimesy
Why are flying foxes endangered?
- Grey-headed flying-foxes are currently considered to be a vulnerable species in Australia under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). In December 2021, the species was one of many added to the IUCN Red List.
- Many species of flying-fox are threatened by loss of roosting and foraging sites for their colonies, as well as heat stress and conflict and illegal hunting by humans.
How many Grey-headed flying foxes are in the wild?
- There is an incomplete understanding of the abundance and distribution of grey-headed flying-foxes.
- There are known colonies and ranges along the east coast of Australia as far north as Bundaberg, and as far south as Melbourne and Warrnambool
Where do flying foxes live?
- There are known colonies and ranges along the east coast of Australia as far north as Bundaberg, and as far south as Melbourne and Warrnambool
- Some famous colonies exist in city areas as these species migrate to areas where food sources are plentiful. Some prominent colonies include those in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Hundreds of flying foxes soar over Melbourne at sunset. Picture: Doug Gimesy.
Are flying foxes related to bats?
- Flying foxes are considered megabats in the Pteropodidae family. The genus name pteropus derives from the Greek word pteron, meaning 'winged', and -pus meaning 'foot'. This means a flying fox's scientific name literally translates to winged foot (or feet).
- Flying foxes are part of the order Chiroptera (which literally translates to winged hand) and contains all other genus of bats.
The Grey-headed flying fox is a vulnerable species
We can’t imagine an Australia without the grey-headed flying fox.
But grey-headed flying foxes are vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change influencing droughts and heatwaves that impact the lives of these mammals. Because our leaders are missing in action, species like the grey-headed flying fox are at risk.
That’s why we demand strong environment laws that will save our iconic wildlife.
We need laws that actually protect nature, including strong outcome-focused environmental standards and an independent regulator to oversee decision-making.
Speak up for the grey-headed flying fox
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You might also want to join over half a million people in calling for strong nature protection laws to protect animals like the Grey-headed flying fox!
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Header: Grey-headed flying-fox by Doug Gimesy (gimesy.com)