Deterrent operations have successfully reduced the number of flying foxes attempting to roost in the Cairns CBD and City Library.

A report to Council today outlined the success of management activities, noting an 83% reduction of flying-foxes attempting to roost at the City Library since deterrent activities started in July 2020.

The report also revealed that in 2020 there were 47 baby bat rescues at the City Library site, compared to just nine last year.

Overall, the annual birthing season has ended, with Cairns wildlife carers caring for 179 orphaned baby bats between September 2021 to February 2022.

According to the report, the spectacled flying fox population have three primary roosts in Cairns (more than 1000 animals):

• Gordonvale (behind the state high school)
• Cairns Swamp, Manunda (including Andersen Conservation Park, Waratah Dr, Mayers St and Cairns Villa and Leisure Park)
• Farmer Rd, Edmonton.

See source council article here.