Illegal nets endangering Victoria’s Grey-Headed Flying-Foxes

Many Victorians may be unaware they are using illegal netting on their household fruit trees and vegetable gardens, subsequently creating a deadly threat to the grey-headed flying-fox, which is listed as a “vulnerable” species.

Wildlife Victoria rescued 189 native animals from household fruit tree netting last year, including 32 grey-headed flying-foxes.

The species plays a vital role in dispersing seeds and pollinating native flowering plants, with many plant species relying on natural pollinators like the grey- headed flying-fox for survival.

Since 1 September 2021, it has been illegal to use netting with a mesh size greater than 5mm x 5mm on household fruit trees in Victoria, with offenders potentially subject to on-the-spot fines of $395

Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator said, “We’re urging all household fruit growers to ensure they understand the law and use legal fruit tree netting that protects both native wildlife and your household fruit trees.”

RSPCA Victoria Head of Prevention, Rebecca Cook, said, “The quickest and easiest way to tell if your fruit tree netting is potentially dangerous to grey-headed flying foxes, and other wildlife, is to try and poke your finger through the netting.”

“The safe, legal netting will be too small to poke your finger through and will keep our native wildlife safe from being tangled in your fruit trees.

“An alternative to netting your entire fruit tree is to use individual fruit bags or sleeves around your tree’s fruit instead.

“If you’re preparing to net your fruit trees during spring, please make sure your netting is the right type and help protect your fruit harvest and the vulnerable grey-headed flying fox.”

Community members who find a flying-fox trapped in fruit tree netting, should not attempt to touch or handle it and must call an experienced, vaccinated wildlife rescuer to assist.

To find a rescuer, call 136 186 or use the Help for injured wildlife tool.

The Conservation Regulator and five local councils are offering a free net swap program for residential household fruit growers with partner UPPAREL to recycle the collected netting.

For more information about illegal netting and Victoria’s Net Swap pilot program visit rspcavic.org/grey-headed-flying-fox-spring-netting/