a new camp-site in Western Sydney
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Flying-foxes can form new camp-sites - so long as there are trees for them to roost in - they are not fussy about the types of trees. Fruit, vegetables and grapes were grown on the rich alluvial soils of the Cabramatta site from the early settlement of Sydney - until about 1950. Vegetation started growing back once cultivation was abandoned - some native species - and introduced privets. By 1988 there were enough trees present for a small flying-fox camp to form - by 1995 groups of over 20,000 animals had started using the new camp-site. |
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These aerial photographs (below) show how
the site has changed since 1930.
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Two species of flying-fox use the Cabramatta camp - predominantly Grey-headed Flying-foxes and, occasionally, small numbers of Red Flying-foxes. The camp-site is now a reserve - jointly managed by Fairfield and Liverpool Councils and a community group - the Cabramatta Creek Flying-fox Committee The conservation value of the site is being enhanced by weed control and revegetation. The flying-foxes using the new camp-site are monitored by Megaharp trapping and site inspections. |
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Click here to view more photos of the Cabramatta site