Flying-Fox
Camden’s waterways and bushland support a range of native wildlife, including flying‑foxes. Flying‑foxes play an important ecological role by pollinating native plants and dispersing seeds across the landscape. They roost communally in groups known as camps, which may form seasonally in response to food availability and weather and can shift location over time.
Three flying‑fox species have been recorded in the Camden LGA:
- Grey‑headed Flying‑fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) – listed as vulnerable under NSW and Commonwealth legislation
- Little Red Flying‑fox (Pteropus scapulatus)
- Black Flying‑fox (Pteropus alecto)
Flying-fox camp at Harrington Park Lake
A significant colony of Grey‑headed Flying‑foxes established at Harrington Park Lake in early 2026. Council immediately notified the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), which is responsible for managing threatened species. The size of the camp is seasonally driven and consistent with natural movements observed across the region, including in Campbelltown and Wollondilly LGAs. Any monitoring or management must comply with State legislation and best‑practice guidelines.
Regulation and approvals
As flying-foxes are a vulnerable native species both the animal, and the camps are protected under State and Commonwealth legislation, and it is illegal to harm them. Any direct disturbance or management action requires formal approval from relevant authorities.
Health and safety
NSW Health and DCCEEW advise that the health risk to the general public is very low, provided flying‑foxes are not touched or handled.
- Do not touch or handle flying‑foxes.
- There is no evidence of illness from environmental contact with flying‑fox urine or droppings.
- Australian bat lyssavirus is not spread through urine or faeces and can only be transmitted via bites or scratches.
- Pets are not at risk from droppings; however, pets should be supervised and kept away from injured or grounded animals.
What Council is doing
Council is:
- Obtaining guidance and support from NSW Government ecologists;
- Monitoring the size and duration of the flying-fox camp;
- Maintaining public areas, including cleaning paths and seating where required; and
- Providing accurate information through Council communication channels and on-site signage.
Injured wildlife
Injured or grounded flying‑foxes should not be handled. Please contact one of the following licensed wildlife rescue organisations:
- WIRES on 1300 094 737
- Sydney Wildlife Rescue on 9413 4300