 Size:
Head & body length: 230-280 mm
Wingspan: over 1 m.
Weight:
600-800g.
Identification:
A very large flying fox with long, almost fluffy fur - silver-grey in summer,
thickening and darkening grey-brown in winter. The shoulder mantle is a
distinct ginger colour encircling the neck. Wings are black.
Call/Song:
Distributed
all along the eastern coast of Australia from around Rockhampton through
to Victoria.
Habitat:
Generally found in all habitats with trees and nearby water.
Movement:
Often found roosting
during the day in "camps" with the Black Flying fox.
These camps often
occur on islands or in mangrove areas
Feeding:
Mainly feeds on native blossoms and fruit, contributing
to the dispersal of rainforest species' seeds.
Breeding/Nesting:
Roost sites are established where mating,
birth and rearing of young is achieved. Mating occurs throughout the year
but most conceptions occur in March or April. |
Photo: QDEH
|
Other Common Names: Grey- headed fruit-bat.
Status: Common in limited habitat, numbers
in camps may vary considerably with season and year.
Distribution:
Abundance:
Common
Queensland Museum
(1995) Wildlife of Greater Brisbane, Queensland Museum, Brisbane.
Strahan, R. et al.
(1995) The Mammals of Australia, Australian Museum/ Reed New Holland,
Sydney.
Cayley, N. W. & Strahan, R.(1987) What
Mammal Is That?, Angus & Robertson Publishers, Australia.
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