Flying-foxes are some of nature's most important gardeners. By spreading seeds and pollinating plants, they help forests grow, recover and stay healthy. As they travel long distances to feed, flying-foxes move seeds far from parent trees and carry pollen between flowering plants, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Without them, many native forests would struggle to regenerate, especially after fire or habitat loss.
If trees could talk, they'd probably say, "Help! I need to move out!" That's because plants, unlike animals, can't pack their bags and stroll off to greener pastures. So how do they spread, grow, and colonise new areas? Enter: Seed dispersal.
Click here and discover why seed dispersal matters and how flying-foxes quietly play a crucial role in caring for Australia's natural landscapes.
Why does seed dispersal matter?
Seed dispersal is essential for plant reproduction and the maintenance of biodiversity. When seeds are deposited far from the parent plant, seedlings avoid competing with their parent for resources like light, water and nutrients. This leads to stronger plants and more genetically diverse populations.
For forests recovering from disturbance — such as fire, drought or land clearing — effective seed dispersal can make the difference between recovery and collapse. Flying-foxes, with their ability to travel dozens of kilometres in a single night, are uniquely positioned to disperse seeds across vast landscapes.
Flying-foxes as seed dispersers
Grey-headed flying-foxes can travel up to 50 kilometres in a single night in search of food. As they move from one fruiting tree to another, they swallow fruit whole and deposit the seeds — intact and ready to germinate — in their droppings, often far from where they were eaten.
Research has shown that flying-foxes are among the most effective long-distance seed dispersers in eastern Australia. They are particularly important for rainforest species, many of which have large seeds that other animals cannot swallow and disperse effectively.
The pollination role
In addition to seed dispersal, flying-foxes are important pollinators of many native Australian plants, particularly eucalypts and banksias. As they feed on nectar, they pick up and transfer pollen between flowers. Some plants may be almost entirely dependent on flying-foxes for pollination.
Protecting flying-foxes protects our forests
The decline of flying-fox populations due to habitat loss, climate change, and direct persecution has significant implications for the health of eastern Australia's forests. Protecting flying-foxes is not just about saving a species — it is about maintaining the ecological processes that keep our forests alive and resilient.
KBCS works to protect flying-foxes and their habitat in the Sydney region. You can support this work by donating, becoming a member, or volunteering for Bushcare in the Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve.