Scientists devastated at carnage in Botanic Gardens

Press Release. Nicki Markus. Australiasian Bat Society, 13th April, 2001

News of the commencement of culling of the Grey-headed flying fox in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens has devastated the community of zoologists and wildlife ecologists. Wildlife experts who have watched the rapid decline of the species over the past decade were dismayed that scientific evidence was ignored in favor of the archaic and unethical approach of extermination.

"The Grey-headed flying fox population has declined by 35% in just ten years. Just last week, over 500 volunteers participated in a national census of this species to assess its current numbers. And now, while the final figures are being compiled, bats are being shot out of the sky. It is a sad day for Australia's threatened wildlife" - Nicola Markus, a scientist and representative of the Australasian Bat Society said this morning.

"What is most disheartening is that the Gardens' managers are aware of the ineffectiveness of culling but are not prepared to seriously consider alternatives. Despite media statements to the contrary, there are alternative non-lethal methods that have not been trialed. Grey-headed flying foxes migrate over long distances and suitable habitat is scarce - for each flying fox shot, another will arrive in time to take its place. If the killing continues, the Gardens will be directly responsible for pushing the bats to the edge of extinction."

" In terms of outcome", Ms. Markus said, " this cull is a lose-lose situation".

Ms. Markus pointed out that the presence of a permanent colony of flying foxes in the Sydney Botanic Gardens was being handled in a vastly different manner.

"Culling is not considered an option in the Sydney Botanic Gardens. The Sydney Gardens' managers are actively developing management strategies that are acceptable to the bats and to the public. There is no reason why this approach could not also be taken by the Melbourne Botanic Gardens."

For more information, please contact Nicola Markus, ph: 0438 125 266.