An Australian town is troubled by thousands of flying foxes occupying trees, making loud noises, and leaving droppings everywhere. The mayor has called on the government to buy back homes, as no one wants to live there anymore.
Gympie, a town in Queensland, Australia, is facing a nightmare as a large colony of flying foxes has invaded the community. Eucalyptus trees throughout the residential area have become their roosts, while the sharp, piercing calls at dawn and dusk have become a chronic disturbance residents can no longer tolerate.
The sight of many flying foxes fluttering about and hanging upside down on eucalyptus branches has become familiar in Gympie. These large, dark-colored bats cluster along the white trunks and pale green leaves, leaving droppings in residents' backyards and causing significant nuisance to the community.
However, since flying foxes are a protected species due to their crucial role in Australia's ecosystem as pollinators and seed dispersers, residents cannot take direct action. The local Gympie council has reported that the flying fox population has grown beyond control, and previous efforts to limit their numbers have failed.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig has urged both the federal and Queensland state governments to buy back homes affected by the flying fox colonies, as these properties have nearly lost all value and no one wants to purchase houses plagued by constant noise and droppings. Meanwhile, both the federal and local governments have only stated they are supporting the local council in managing the flying fox issue but have not confirmed support for a buyback program, citing that the flying fox problem may not qualify.
. Source:ABC NEWS
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