Queensland to continue to allow farmers to shoot flying foxes after revoking ban on controversial practice

Conservationists and scientists criticise state for backtracking and say alternative non-lethal methods such as netting are more effective

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The Queensland government has backtracked on plans to end the shooting of flying foxes from July 2026, continuing a practice wildlife advocates and scientists describe as “ineffective” and “inhumane”.

Permits issued by the state’s environment department allow Queensland farmers to shoot flying foxes for the purposes of crop protection, up to an annual statewide quota set at 1,630 animals. That includes 130 grey-headed flying foxes, listed as vulnerable under federal environment laws, along with 700 black and 800 little red flying foxes.