Canberra's wildlife experts are being driven batty by a mystery gripping the capital – what has happened to all the baby flying foxes?
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In January 2014, more than 6000 grey-headed flying foxes headed to the ACT's Commonwealth Gardens during the summer months, the largest number ever to roost in the territory.
A small colony stayed over winter for the first time in several years, but those who follow Canberra's bat community say they're not seeing many pups so far.
ACT Wildlife bat co-ordinator Kirstie Hawkins said only one bat had been brought into the organisation for help in October, compared with about 10, including babies, in the same period last year.
She said it was the first time she had seen such a low number in the decade she had been working with flying foxes.
"What's happening around Australia in September is [it's] baby season and there's only been a trickle of babies across Australia," Ms Hawkins said.
She said she didn't know why it was happening, but ACT Wildlife has also noticed a small number of baby birds in the past breeding season as well.
"Everything's been slow this year," Ms Hawkins said.
Australasian Bat Society member Susan Lamb said a small group of about 500 to 1000 bats stayed over winter, something the ACT had not seen in several years.
She said before 2003 this species of bat had been only an occasional visitor to the ACT.
"It doesn't appear that the grey-headed flying foxes have stayed over winter in Canberra for the last three years, however they have been recorded roosting in Canberra over winter in the past," she said.
"We cannot really say whether it will become a trend for the Canberra colony."
Ms Lamb said no pups had been observed in the colony during their last visit but the society would be returning soon to check again.
"Babies were recorded last spring in Canberra, so it will be interesting to see if there are babies in the colony this [year]," she said.
Ms Hawkins said if anyone was considering netting their fruit trees this spring, they should either ensure it was pulled tight over the tree or not used at all.
"Best thing is to just share it, just share the fruit. There's enough for us, the birds and the bats," she said.