The Flying Fox have returned to the local area after a short absence, time to start counting again.
We are monitoring the camp once a month. This is when the camera comes in very handy to show if there are any pregnant or young present. We try to get a percentage of the species while they are roosting, then count them as they fly-out, not easy when they fly in three different directions. At present we have only two species, Black and Grey-headed, and are waiting for the third species, Little Red Flying Fox (Pteropus scapulatus) to arrive.
Click on photos to enlarge.
We are monitoring the camp once a month. This is when the camera comes in very handy to show if there are any pregnant or young present. We try to get a percentage of the species while they are roosting, then count them as they fly-out, not easy when they fly in three different directions. At present we have only two species, Black and Grey-headed, and are waiting for the third species, Little Red Flying Fox (Pteropus scapulatus) to arrive.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Grey-headed (Pteropus poliocephalus) and Black Flying Fox (Pteropus alecto)
Pregnant Black Flying Fox.
Grey-headed with young.
In Flight.
Size difference between adult and juvenile
6 comments:
Very cool shots!
Thanks madahmas not every one likes flying foxes.
Those are amazing!
Would love to see them in action :)
Thanks Nicole will take the video camera next time we count them.
G'day Neil,
Good work. Do the numbers vary much? What makes the difference in number if they do vary? How long do they stay in your area and what effect do they have?
Great looking mammals I reckon.
Gouldiae
Hi Gouldiae,
Season affects numbers as they are migratory, though some small numbers stay at the roost all year round,particularly of the Black Flying Fox.
"Off season" is generally through the winter months.
This season all three species, left, returning early September.
They come hear to have their young, the Little Reds arriving later. When these arrive numbers swell to around 300,000.
Orchadists have issues at times with damage caused to their crops, and efficient management plans need to be developed to protect these important species.
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