Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

Mammal · GBIF taxon 5218655

Grey-headed Flying-fox

Pteropus poliocephalus

Also known as Grey-headed Fruit Bat

Grey-headed flying-foxes are Australia's largest bats, easily recognized by their dark grey bodies, soft grey heads, and rich rusty-orange collar bands. These highly social mammals gather by the thousands in noisy daytime canopy camps before fanning out across the landscape at dusk. By traveling tens of kilometers each night in search of nectar, pollen, and fruit, they serve as vital long-distance pollinators for native hardwood forests.

PollinatorNocturnalSocial

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Licensed referenceAndrew Mercer (www.baldwhiteguy.co.nz) / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa

—observations

—countries

—peak records

VulnerableConservation status

Key facts

Diet & prey

Eucalyptus nectar
Native figs
Lilly pilly fruit

Predators

Powerful Owl
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Carpet Python

ThreatsExtreme heat events, loss of foraging habitat, human conflict, and netting entanglement.

HabitatsSubtropical and temperate rainforests, sclerophyll forests, woodlands, and urban parks.

Life span15–20 years

Size / weightNot available

Classification

OrderChiroptera
FamilyPteropodidae
GenusPteropus
SpeciesPteropus poliocephalus

Range & activity

Native

Safe observation

Interaction riskModerate

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is moderate: Never handle grounded bats due to Australian Bat Lyssavirus risks; contact a certified wildlife rescuer.
Why it is dangerous: Carries Australian Bat Lyssavirus and Hendra virus, which can cause fatal neurological or respiratory illness in humans through bites or scratches.
How to recognize a risky encounter: Look for a dark grey mantle, a pale grey head, and a distinctive orange collar around the neck.
What to do: Never touch or handle a wild bat directly; always call a vaccinated wildlife professional.
What to notice: Identified by its large size, broad wingspan, and day-roosting behavior high in tree canopies.
Support conservation: Maintain a quiet distance from roosting camps to avoid causing unnecessary stress or fatal colony stampedes.

Responsible observation

Dusk Watching: Position yourself near flying-fox camps at twilight to watch thousands take flight at once.
Fruit Tree Protection: Use wildlife-safe fruit netting with small mesh gaps to prevent wing entanglements.
Report Grounded Individuals: Contact trained wildlife carers immediately if you see an injured or grounded bat.