The Flying Fox in Australia

Abstract

TWO years ago, Mr. F. N. Ratcliffe was appointed by the Commonwealth Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to obtain for it as complete a picture as possible of the flying fox (Pteropus spp.) population of Queensland and New South Wales, its significance and extent, the relations of the different species one to another, the nature and cause of their migrations, the individual and collective habits of the animals, and the extent and value of the economic losses involved. Fruit-growers had at times complained loudly of orchard depredation by this pest and demanded governmental action to exterminate it. The Council was somewhat sceptical about the alleged facts: hence this inquiry, which received financial support from the Commonwealth, New South Wales, and Queensland Governments. Mr. Ratcliffe has now completed his work, and furnished to the Council a report which is not only most interesting reading but also is admirably fearless in its criticism of current-ideas and practices.