A Little Batty

A trip to Sydney would not be complete without a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden.  The botanic garden, one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere, is located in the heart of Sydney's CBD (Central Business District).  The 30 hectares of gardens occupy a prime location on the shores of the Sydney Harbour.  They are the perfect place to learn about over 45,124 plants species, as well as to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city.  Guided walks through the park are offered daily at 10:30 and leave from the Palm Grove Center.

In addition to being home to thousands of plants, the park also boasts a large population of Grey-headed Flying foxes. For 20 years these nectar and fruit eating bats have camped in the Royal Botanic Gardens.  22,000 Flying-foxes can be seen roosting during the day in large treetop colonies.  Unfortunately, the threatened (venerable to extinction) species is causing extensive damage to the heritage landscape and scientific plant collection.  However, there are current relocation programs planned.  The animals will be encouraged, through the use of noise, to roost in alternative camps but feed in the gardens at night.  The removal of the animal should not incur any injuries or deaths.  The relocation is scheduled this month.  

So next time you are in Sydney keep your eyes open and you may see a camp of these critters.  Last month, in different locations across the city, I saw several large bats flying around in the evening.  For those of you in Adelaide you may want to keep your eyes open as well.  I recently read that small colonies of Grey-headed Flying-foxes have been seen in Adelaide's eastern suburbs, and they might soon be moving to a neighborhood near you.