We went on a tropical wet rainforest boat ride along the Daintree River yesterday. Saw a couple of salt water crocs, a few birds and lots of different types of tropical trees. We had expected to see a few of those big bats - flying foxes they call them here. They have a wingspan of around a meter and bear a strong resemblance to small foxes with wings. They are usually active around dusk when they go searching for their favourite food, fruits like papayas, grapes, melons etc. Unfortunately there were no flying foxes to be seen on our cruise.
Driving home later, we found out why there were none along the banks of the Daintree River. They were all hanging out beside the golf course at Port Douglas!
Driving home later, we found out why there were none along the banks of the Daintree River. They were all hanging out beside the golf course at Port Douglas!
One of several trees with "batteries"These guys were making an awful fuss, screeching and fighting with each other, and constantly moving to new perches. They paid little attention to this Canadian who was pretty fascinated to see several hundred of these big boys in one spot.
Uncropped flying fox image just above a telephone lineFor those of you who are perhaps a bit skittish about sharing your space with bats this size, well, just think of how many fewer flying insects there are around thanks to these guys and their cousins. Altogether not a bad trade off, no?
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