The spectacled flying-fox: a review of past and present knowledge

Abstract

The Spectacled Flying-fox is listed as vulnerable within its range in Australia despite being recognised as an agricultural pest and there being significant gaps in our knowledge of its ecology. Stakeholders, such as management agencies and fruit farmers, have many questions that we are currently unable to answer. Firstly, I review current knowledge of this species. Of the four large flying-fox species that occur in Australia, the Spectacled Flying-fox has the smallest range, the lowest abundance and appears to be intricately tied to rainforest. Then I describe the aims of my PhD work, using molecular and demographic techniques to describe the population structure of the species. Finally, I summarise the findings of my work and outline how this knowledge can be used by the various stakeholders working with the Spectacled Flying-fox.