Flying-foxes generate polarised responses from the community: from those who are pro flying-foxes and their conservation to those who perceive the animals as disease-ridden pests that are in plague proportions and have no value. Much time is thus spent by wildlife managers in dealing with these perceptions rather than managing the real issues. In addition, there are still gaps in our ecological knowledge of flying-foxes, which need to be filled in order to better manage these animals.

This paper outlines a Commonwealth-funded, collaborative project involving universities, local councils and individuals that is being co-ordinated by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The project aims to undertake actions to benefit the conservation of the four species of flying-fox found on mainland Australia: Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus, Spectacled Flying-fox P. conspicillatus, Black Flying-fox P. alecto, and Little red Flying-fox P. scapulatus, across the state of Queensland. The principal areas of work are: education, population monitoring, habitat use and mapping and roost site use.