Grey-headed Flying Foxes
Ku-ring-gai is home to an important maternal colony of the Grey-headed Flying Fox, located in the Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve in Gordon.
The colony consists on average of about 30,000 to 40,000 bats during summer. During winter months the population may drop to a few dozen bats or even no bats at all as they leave the reserve to feed on flowering trees elsewhere in NSW or as far north as Queensland.
The Grey-headed Flying Fox is a declining protected species listed as 'vulnerable' under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Environment Protection and Conservation Act 1999. It is an offence to harm threatened species or their habitat. Large fines and/or prison sentences may apply.
Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve map (484KB)
Grey-headed Flying Fox brochure (461KB)
The Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve is subject to a long-term Conservation Agreement with the State Government. This agreement is contained in the Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve Management Plan 1999.
Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve Management Plan 1999 (1.09MB)
Federal Action Plan for Australian Bats
NSW Priority Actions Statements
Community Involvement
The Ku-ring-gai Bat Conservation Society Inc was established in 1985 and runs a long-term habitat restoration project. The society has also produced a number of publications in collaboration with Council and conducts interpretive walks and talks.
The Ku-ring-gai Bat Conservation regularly counts the seasonal changes in flying fox numbers at the Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve. Each year experienced volunteers count the number of flying foxes flying out at two or three points around the reserve perimeter and kindly provide the data to Council.
Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve counts 2009-2012 (54KB)
Access to the Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve
Access to the reserve is restricted. This is to prevent disturbance to the breeding bats, the surrounding neighbours and possible safety issues.
The reserve is located in a narrow gully surrounded by rock cliffs. Access is via steep slippery surfaces with two entry points only. To visit the reserve, for research or other purposes, please contact Council's Biodiversity Officer on 9424 0000 or email kmc@kmc.nsw.gov.au
Pets are not allowed in the reserve.
The best time to view these bats flying is at dusk during the warmer months from the bridge located on Rosedale Road near Minns Road, Gordon. Interpretive signs are located at this point.
Public Flying Fox Forum with the Botanic Gardens Trust
On behalf of the Botanic Gardens Trust (Sydney), Council hosted a forum on 22 June 2009 relating to a proposal to move the Grey-headed Flying Foxes from the Royal Botanic Gardens due to damage to this heritage site.
Council requested the Botanic Gardens Trust consult with the residents and the Ku-ring-gai Bats Conservation Society to discuss how to assist in the management for any potential issues and ramifications relating to this proposal.
Notes and outcomes from public forum (88KB)
Grey-headed Flying Fox presentation (2.12MB)
Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve background (562KB)
Related links
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA)
Australian Government Recovery Plans
Grey-headed Flying Fox species profile
The Action Plan for Australian Bats
Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC)
Final Determination - Grey-headed Flying Fox
Species Profile - Grey-headed Flying Fox
Detailed Species Profile - Grey-headed Flying-fox.
Priority Action Statement for bats in NSW
Flying fox camp management policy in NSW
Flying fox camps fact sheet- NSW
Netting of garden fruit trees - guidelines to protect wildlife
Why was the Grey-headed Flying Fox listed as vulnerable? How does this affect me? - NSW
Threatened Species Legislation
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 - Federal - (EPBC Act)
NSW Threatened Species Legislation
Enforcing the Threatened Species Legislation in NSW
Other Government bat websites
Fairfield City Council Environmental Community Groups
Non-Government Organisation resources
Sydney Bats - Ku-ring-gai Bat Conservation Society