Which mammal is Byron Shire’s super-pollinator

Published on 16 August 2023

Flying-foxes are nature’s ‘super-pollinators’ and Byron Shire Council’s Biodiversity team is turning its attention from schools to plant nurseries in the next stage of its No Bat No Me project.

In the last six months staff have spoken to 300 children from local schools, presenting information about flying-foxes, their essential role in the environment and the importance of the protection of native habitat.

“The school presentations have been very well received and students have been very interested in the relationship between flying-foxes and our local koala population”, Claudia Caliari, Biodiversity Projects Officer, said.

“Many did not know why they are considered a crucial species in our landscape, and we hope they take this knowledge with them and share it with their parents and families.

“One of our key messages is that local forests, including healthy koala habitat, depends on our super-pollinators – flying-foxes,” Ms Caliari said.

“Flying-foxes, sometimes, do not have the best reputation as neighbours but they are vital pollinators and major contributors to a healthy natural environment, which in turn supports other native animals such as koalas,” she said.

The presentations to school students have been supported by a broader advertising campaign that provides key information about flying-foxes, as well an educational video that is on Council’s website.

“We now shift our focus to developing a list of flying-fox and koala-friendly plants for property owners who are interested in providing food and shelter for native wildlife,” Ms Caliari said.

“Two local nurseries are working with us to promote this list of plants to people who want to encourage koalas and flying-foxes in our Shire to thrive,” she said.

Information about flying-foxes in the Byron Shire is on Council’s website.

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