Firefighters continue to battle bushfires in Australia as temperatures continue to soar above 100°F. Over one million acres has been burned as the heatwave continues to fan the fires. These extreme conditions are endangering lives of people and wildlife, including vulnerable grey-headed flying foxes.
Flying foxes live in large camps and are very sensitive to heat. The extreme temperatures can cause fatal heat stress in a matter of hours, wiping out entire colonies.
Sadly, the ongoing heatwave has already caused record-breaking loss with thousands of bats reported dead across south-east Australia.
Photo: Doug Gimesy
Wildlife volunteers rescuing the surviving adults and pups (baby bats) told The Guardian, “These orphans will slowly die of heat stress, starvation or predation if they aren’t found. We also found countless adults who couldn’t withstand the heat in areas of the colonies that were hotter – like trees with less foliage and shade coverage, and the baking hot clay of the riverbank.”
These bats play a critical role in Australia’s ecosystems, pollinating and dispersing seeds for more than 100 native plant species. They are vital in recovery of forests after massive fires.
Photo: Doug Gimesy
Greater Good Charities is working with responding wildlife partners to support emergency care at flying fox camps, including monitoring colonies and treating heat-stressed animals.
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