How batty is Burnside?
The native plants and animals that exist in the City of Burnside make a substantial contribution to the character and identity of the area. Plants are ever-present, like the distinctive giants, the River Reds and Blue Gums. In winter and spring each year the Hardenbergia have showy purple flowers, followed through spring and summer by those of the Kangaroo-apples. And year-round there is a chance one might see an urban marsupial, like a koala or a ring-tail possum. We are lucky to experience such unique and beautiful flora and fauna, right at our doorstep!
Left: Microbat, Leser Long-eared Bat: pic Terry Reardon
There are a multitude of mammals that share the Burnside area. Bats are surprisingly common in Adelaide, but because most bat species are small, we
do not realise how abundant they are. These small and abundant bats are called ‘microbats’. Some microbats weigh less than 5 grams!
There are likely to be five to ten species of microbats in the Burnside area, and they are very important to have around. Microbats control insect populations, including mosquitos. It is a great benefit to have these little bats cleaning up mosquitos for us. These bat species were present in the region long before the City of Burnside was established.
Larger bats have more recently set up camp in Adelaide, the Grey-headed flying foxes. These are part of the ‘megabat’ group and sometimes called fruitbats. They are 23-29 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to a metre. The wings are a similar length to those of a sulphur-crested cockatoo, but with a distinctive bat shape that makes them easy to recognise as they fly across the evening sky.
The Grey-headed flying foxes are a threatened species, found only in Australia, that became resident in Adelaide around 10 years ago. These bats are also helpful to have around because they disperse the pollen and seeds of native plants. The flying foxes roost during the day, with a permanent camp near the Adelaide Zoo. They visit trees in Burnside on a seasonal basis but can be seen overhead on a nightly basis.
Grey Headed Flying Fox : pic Vivian Jones
Bats are often reported to carry diseases, which can be the case, however there is little cause for concern; we have been living among bats for a long time with no concern about their presence – you may not have even realised they live in your neighbourhood. There is no need to worry if bats fly overhead or visit your garden. The key to bat safety is not to touch them even if they are dead or injured. If you find a bat that is dead or injured, contact the RSPCA or a wildlife rescue organisation.
The City of Burnside is renowned for its trees and is one of only three council areas in Australia to be recognised as a Tree City of the World. The trees and wildlife together provide our natural heritage, a distinctive character, and play an important role in conservation. The area provides habitat for native species that are struggling elsewhere, like koalas and Grey-headed flying foxes, both of which are listed nationally as threatened species. It is a contribution we can make and enjoy for generations to come.
