From 2007 when they started a small breading colony until now they have a 11,000 strong. They bread fast and have no associated costs like in feed, water or veterinary. Maybe they are the worlds new protein source. Why grow soya beans when bats grow them selves? Just catch them and eat them. Maybe its a new export market for Australia?
They are not "bats", and they are an important pollinator. They feed on pollen and thereby keep fruiting trees, keeping on. There are three levels when roosting - the kids are in the middle, protected by grandmas above and teenagers below. The adults go out to feed and pollinate. The Kimberley, East and West Pilbara can't do without the Pteropus poliocephalus. So many experts, without first hand knowledge.
