The grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) and the spectacled flying-fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) are vulnerable species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). These two mainland flying-foxes play an important role across their distributions, providing key ecosystem services - such as pollination and seed-dispersal - for many vegetation communities along the east coast of Australia. They can move long distances in search of food on a seasonal basis. Grey-headed flying-foxes can move between camps in different states and the ACT. Each species is considered to exist as a single national population covering its entire range. This makes national coordination important in managing these species. The Department has worked closely with state, territory and local governments, species experts and the general public to finalise a guideline for use by proponents and others to ensure high protection standards for these species whilst seeking streamlined assessment outcomes.
Referral guideline
Comment
The Australian government is currently working to understand and define critical foraging habitat for these flying foxes – a priority action for their recovery. If you have any information or are interested in contributing to this work, please contact speciespolicy@environment.gov.au.