Key Takeaways
- Photographer Doug Gimesy has spent over 160 days in the field documenting flying foxes, capturing their lives and behavioral quirks in about 50,000 images.
- Flying foxes are often misunderstood and wrongly vilified, and habitat destruction has led to increasing overlap between them and people in Australia.
- Photography plays a crucial role in educating people about the magnificence of flying foxes and promoting conservation efforts.
- Effective flying-fox conservation goes hand-in-hand with what people know about them, and increasing public awareness and understanding can help overcome fear and promote acceptance.
- Flying foxes are vital for spreading pollen and seeds to keep forests healthy, and they spend a significant amount of time in the air doing things that help humans.
Introduction to Flying Foxes
The grey-headed flying fox is a fascinating creature that has been captured in stunning photographs by Doug Gimesy. One particular photograph shows the flying fox making a high-speed belly-dip in a pool of water, a behavior that helps them cool off and get a drink during hot weather. Gimesy has spent over 160 days in the field documenting flying foxes, capturing their lives and behavioral quirks in about 50,000 images. Each image zooms in on some tiny detail, such as the way the animals use their wings as sun shades, raincoats, baby blankets, or cooling fans.
The Importance of Photography in Conservation
Gimesy uses images to educate people about the magnificence of flying foxes, to get them to "engage, ask questions, and understand". He believes that a good photo can trigger emotions such as awe, empathy, and love, which are especially important given that flying foxes are often misunderstood and wrongly vilified. Dr. Merlin Tuttle, who has studied and photographed bats worldwide for over 65 years, agrees that photography plays a crucial role in promoting conservation efforts. He says that a picture can be absolutely essential for winning progress for bats, helping to overcome fear and promote understanding.
The Challenges Facing Flying Foxes
Habitat destruction has led to increasing overlap between flying foxes and people in Australia, with camps often located in cities and regional towns. Negative public perceptions can limit support for flying fox conservation, and sometimes lead to threats such as disturbance, harassment, or illegal killing. Gimesy’s images highlight the threats facing flying foxes, such as entanglement in urban fruit-tree netting, and the people willing to help, such as veterinarians assisting suffering young pups. He hopes that by sharing these images, he can promote awareness and understanding of the importance of flying fox conservation.
The Power of Photography in Promoting Conservation
Gimesy’s images emphasize the maternal bond between flying foxes and their young, which is a critical aspect of their behavior. One image, "baby on board", took over 30 days of photographing between dusk and dawn to capture, and shows a mother flying fox carrying her baby on her back. The image is technically challenging to capture, but the emotional response it elicits makes it worth the effort. Gimesy believes that photography has the power to influence hearts and minds, and he hopes that his images will promote a greater understanding and appreciation of flying foxes.
The Impact of Human Activities on Flying Foxes
Flying foxes are vital for spreading pollen and seeds to keep forests healthy, and they spend a significant amount of time in the air doing things that help humans. However, human activities such as habitat destruction and climate change are threatening their populations. Gimesy hopes that by promoting awareness and understanding of the importance of flying foxes, he can help to overcome the fear and misconceptions that surround them. He believes that by working together, we can promote conservation efforts and protect these magnificent creatures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Doug Gimesy’s photographs of flying foxes are not only stunning but also play a crucial role in promoting conservation efforts. By educating people about the magnificence of flying foxes and highlighting the threats they face, Gimesy hopes to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of these creatures. Effective flying-fox conservation goes hand-in-hand with what people know about them, and increasing public awareness and understanding can help overcome fear and promote acceptance. By working together, we can protect these magnificent creatures and promote a healthier environment for all.