Flying foxes devastate NSW banana crops in mass starvation event
Flying foxes are destroying thousands of bananas on NSW farms, likely driven by a shortage of natural nectar sources.
Flying foxes are tearing through banana and berry crops on the NSW Coffs Coast. Flying foxes search for pollen and nectar on the fruit.
Coffs Harbour grower Paul Shoker lost over 10,000 bananas in October alone. The bats are believed to be starving due to a shortage of nectar on flowering trees.
This prompts unusual behaviour: they stay in plantations during the day and crawl under protective bags to reach blossoms. Raspberry and blackberry growers have also been hit, with bats entering crop tunnels.
This creates workplace safety concerns because the animals generally cannot be safely handled due to disease risk. The NSW government suggests exclusion netting and fruit bags.
Farmers say they need more support for what they view as an exceptional event.
- Over 10,000 by Paul Shoker alone
- Bananas lost in October
- 36 years on Mick Gentle's farm
- Farmer experience
- Lyssavirus, deadly if transmitted
- Disease risk
Why it mattersFarmers lose crops during a wildlife crisis they cannot control, and workers face health risks removing weak and dying bats.
AustraliaLocal Coffs Coast fruit growers are facing significant losses, but national banana supply remains steady because 94 per cent of Australia's bananas come from northern Queensland.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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