Spectacled Flying-fox camp located near Lockhart River

In October 2025, our team spent five days in Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL) collaborating with ranger teams to support the conservation of the endangered Spectacled Flying-fox (SFF).

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The visit is part of our four-year project to support the recovery of SFFs by partnering with land managers, Traditional Owners, scientists and government. Listed nationally as one of 110 priority threatened species, a major focus of the initiative is to confirm SFF roost locations on Cape York Peninsula.

After travelling to Kutini-Payamu National Park (CYPAL), about 750 kilometres north of Cairns, Cape York NRM Project Officer Maree Coulson and First Nations Engagement Officer Charlene Cressbrook met with our project partners from Northern Kuuku Ya’u Land and Sea Rangers — Coordinator Shimona Walsh and Ranger Colin Pascoe — together with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Ranger-in-Charge Karl Goetze and his colleague Efrin Dagami.

Navigating thick vegetation

The trip began with time spent sharing knowledge and learning from the rangers about their experiences of SFFs in the national park. This allowed the group to discuss where flying-foxes had been seen and talk through some of the local names of the plant species that make up their diet.

There was also time for training in Habitat Condition Assessment (HCAs) methods ahead of two days of field surveys, where ranger support proved crucial.

“Monitoring was sometimes through thick vegetation and off-track, with a GPS guiding us through wait-a-while and dense bush, up and down dried creek beds, through rainforest and into open woodland. We had a variety of terrain and some surveys were a challenge to get to, and in particular Shimona and Efrin’s local knowledge and support were essential,” Maree said.

Using consistent methodology, HCAs provide a clear picture of an area’s environmental health and help guide future management.

A mud map and a big win!

As part of the Spectacled Flying-fox project, we’ve been engaging with the Lockhart River community, who have shared valuable insights into the cultural significance of the species.

Prior to this project, SFF camp locations in the area were limited to historical records. Thanks to the support of the Lockhart River community, Northern Kuuku Ya’u Land and Sea Rangers, Traditional Owners, and QPWS, several possible camps were identified this year.

On the last day of the trip and using a hand-drawn mud map from one of the rangers, the team was fortunate to locate an active SFF camp. Discovering this roost within the national park is a significant milestone, and the focus now is to locate more camps across Cape York.

School pupils get a talk on speckys

The Year 6 students at Lockhart River State School also received a visit, and students enjoyed learning about SFFs, including how to recognise them, why they are endangered, and why they are so important.

“The students were very engaged and asked good, thoughtful questions. They thought the picture of the SFF was cute,” Charlene said.

Meetings with the Lockhart River Shire Council, local Traditional Owners and community members also further strengthened relationships and provided deeper insight into the cultural significance of SFFs.

To report a sighting of a Spectacled Flying-fox in Cape York, or to download our identification guide, visit: https://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/what-we-do

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Cape York NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

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