Protect Cairns' Flying Foxes: End Harmful Deterrence Measures Now

Flying foxes are a crucial part of Far North Queensland's ecosystem, serving as pollinators and seed dispersers that help maintain the health and regeneration of our tropical rainforests. Among them, the endangered Spectacled Flying Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) is particularly vital. Yet, this species is under threat—not just from natural pressures but from human interventions right here in Cairns.

Current deterrence tactics are intended to drive away these animals from urban areas. But these methods are causing stress and confusion among flying fox populations, and moving them from their roost trees. Such measures don’t just disturb the animals—they can contribute to their path to extinction, undermining Cairns’ natural heritage and threatening our local biodiversity.

Additionally, Spectacled Flying-foxes suffer from compounding impacts such as cleft jaw syndrome and paralysis tick from farming areas which can lead to mortality. Increasing heat waves due to the climate change put these important animals further at risk, as they are temperature sensitive.  

In the 1900s, Spectacled Flying-foxes reached numbers of 900,00 to now the population estimates are at approximately 70000-100,000 putting them on the path to extinction. 

The Bigger Issue:

Broken Policies and a Lack of Accountability
This problem is part of a larger issue. Research has shown that across Australia, conservation policies often prioritise short-term economic interests over long-term environmental protection. Laws and recovery plans to safeguard species like the Spectacled Flying Fox exist, but they are often inconsistently applied or ignored, leaving the animals vulnerable.

Instead of following scientific recommendations and maintaining accountability, some government agencies overlook their legal obligations, putting endangered species at further risk. This disregard not only affects flying foxes but also jeopardises broader biodiversity and weakens public trust in conservation efforts.

Our Goal: Real Action, Not Empty Promises

This petition calls for an end to harmful deterrence practices and demands that authorities adhere to robust, science-driven policies for wildlife conservation. We are asking for:

An Immediate Stop to Harmful Deterrence Practices – Cairns’ flying foxes deserve protection, not persecution. Let’s end these damaging and ineffective tactics now.
Accountability from Government Authorities – It’s time for transparency and responsibility. We demand that conservation policies be enforced with real consequences for non-compliance.
Commitment to Long-Term Conservation Solutions – Flying foxes are vital to our environment. We need well-funded, humane policies that truly support their recovery, not short-term fixes that lead to long-term harm.

Make Your Voice Count

By signing this petition, you join a growing movement to protect the flying foxes and advocate for meaningful change in Cairns and beyond. If we reach a substantial number of signatures, we can bring this collective voice directly to decision-makers, pushing them to end these destructive practices and commit to genuine conservation efforts.

Together, we can hold authorities accountable, demand better policies, and ensure that the Spectacled Flying Fox and other endangered species have a future in our community. Every signature brings us closer to a Cairns that respects and protects its natural heritage.

Help us protect Cairns' flying foxes. Sign this petition today and stand up for real change.