THE beauty of bats can be seen and celebrated as rarely before thanks to a 2016 calendar that will help fund conservation projects for the beleaguered creatures.
Titled A year in the life of a grey-headed flying-fox 2016, the calendar is the first ever published by the Australia Bat Society and sheds light on the highly intelligent species and its quirky habits.
It includes stunning high-quality photos by acclaimed wildlife photographers, fast facts about the bats, and fun cut-out bat shadows for children. The photos comes in a month-by-month format measuring 30cm x 23cm, with high-quality paper.
Bat society president Kyle Armstrong said we too often focus on negative issues with flying-foxes, forgetting the crucial role they play in the pollination and seed dispersal that ensures the diversity and health of our native forests and woodlands.
Grey-headed flying-foxes and spectacled flying-foxes are listed nationally as vulnerable, and are thought to be declining from a range of factors, including habitat removal, extreme heat events, shooting and other human activities.
Part proceeds from the calendars will fund conservation projects on Australasian bats through a competitive small grant scheme run by the society. n The calendar is produced by Pipeline Calendars and sells for $14.99 including GST and postage.
It can be ordered by calling Michal on 0433-086-026, by writing to PO Box 644, Freshwater NSW 2096, or www.pipelinecalendars.com.au