Flying-foxes and tourists: a conservation dilemma in the Northern Territory
1997
Vardon, Michael J. | Simpson, Boyd K. | Sherwell, David | Tidemann, Christopher R.
A small colony (100-5000) of Little Red Flying-foxes <i>Pteropus scapulatusis</i> usually resident at Mataranka Hot Springs in the semi-arid zone of the Northern Territory of Australia between October and February. In 1994-95 this changed markedly. More than 200 000 individuals were present and most <i>did not depart until July. The colony generated a powerful smell and caused significant damage</i> to the vegetation surrounding the Spring, resulting in conflict with tourist use of the area. Many methods were employed in attempts to shin animals, but none was successful. The situation is an extreme example of line problems caused by Australian <i>Pteropus</i> and highlights a general lack of informal on and effective management tecnniques for the genus and its habitats. Information on the sex ration and breeding condition of females at the colony is presented.
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