Why is the grey-headed flying-fox listed as Vulnerable to extinction?
The grey-headed flying-fox is listed as Vulnerable to extinction under NSW and Australian legislation because of declining numbers and key threats such as habitat loss and urban conflict. Records indicate that grey-headed flying-foxes may once have numbered in the millions, but are now reduced to as few as 400,000. In the decade prior to listing, their population was estimated to have declined by 30%. Loss of habitat is the main threat to grey-headed flying-foxes and is a key cause of their conflict with humans. Winter foraging is particularly affected by development in the NSW coastal floodplain areas. Habitat loss has meant grey-headed flying-foxes are more affected by weather events and years of native food scarcity, leading them to target urban gardens and commercial fruit orchards. Farmers and those affected by nearby camps (flying-fox roosts) have in the past resorted to a variety of lethal methods to deter flying-foxes. The shooting of flying-foxes to protect fruit crops is lega
