IF you've driven down the Orange or Eugowra Roads at dusk recently, chances are you've seen a few little bats flapping and squawking around.
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Alright, there's more than a few.
Parkes is currently the roosting point for colonies of Little Red Flying Foxes, the amount of which has been conservatively estimated to be at least 80,000; with the areas around Harrison Park, Kelly Road and out towards the airport all inundated.
Don't despair, they're only visiting - as Michael Chambers, Parkes Shire Council's Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator, explains.
"As native blossom specialists, they follow eucalyptus flowering events around the eastern states of Australia to find food, and they generally move on to new places when food becomes unavailable, or when temperatures get too hot or cold," he said.
"It is important to note that all species of flying foxes are protected under State and Federal laws, making it illegal to capture, harm, or otherwise interfere with any individual or group," added Mr Chambers.
The council's director of infrastructure, Andrew Francis, also pointed out attempts to the disperse the Little Red Flying Foxes, such as startling them with loud noises, guns, or fireworks are both ineffective and, often, illegal.
"Dispersal actions (aside from potentially breaching the law) are often counterproductive because bats rarely respond well - they tend to squawk, urinate, and defecate in response to stress," he said.
"This results in increased commotion and unpleasant smells; exacerbating an already uncomfortable situation for the residents living in close proximity to them," said Mr Francis.
While the issue of noise and smell can be particularly challenging, Mr Francis assured residents that they are only here temporarily, and will be moving on sometime soon.
"After seeking expert advice from several NSW Government agencies, the council has been told that they should start to see a drop in numbers soon; as temperatures decrease, food resources become depleted, and large colonies begin to disperse into smaller maternity camps for females to give birth and care for their young."
Little Red Flying Foxes are social animals that live in colonies, and usually choose to camp in trees that provide reliable shade and are close to a source of water, and Mr Chambers said they are likely in Parkes due to favourable conditions.
"During the day, they congregate to roost in trees before setting out at night to feed on nectar and pollen.
"Their increased abundance in Parkes is likely because we experienced such a mild summer and winter in 2020, and recent rain has caused local eucalyptus species to flower profusely," said Mr Chambers.
The council has also moved to reassure residents that the spread of viruses from flying foxes to humans, and pets, is extremely rare.
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There is virtually no risk of infection unless physical contact is made with a flying fox, and there are no reports of people living close to flying fox camps contracting diseases in NSW - so just be sure to never handle or interact with them to ensure that risk stays almost non-existent.
If a resident encounters a sick or injured animal, they should avoid handling, and contact a licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation provider such as WIRES.
Major environmental events from the past few years; including severe drought, deforestation, and bushfires have resulted in large-scale habitat loss - and these events are likely to have contributed to the high number of flying foxes in Parkes.
Mr Chambers also said populations of flying foxes have seen a dramatic decline in numbers, which is bad news because they are crucial to a healthy ecosystem.
"Flying foxes perform important ecosystem services, as they feed by pollinating native vegetation and spreading seeds across large distances.
"Their role in our environment is vital to the ongoing health and regeneration of our native woodlands and forests," he said.
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