Mass bat deaths in record setting Queensland heatwave

Tue 07 Jan 2014 Queensland Times. (NOTE: that this article relates to the early January heatwave. Since then there have been two more extreme heatwaves, each separated by just a few milder days. The current heatwave is forecast to run for 9 days over 40c, before returning to the mid 30’s).

Flying Foxes are dropping to earth and dying in their thousands from heat exhaustion. The extreme heat in Queensland from the 29 December to 5 January has taken a massive toll of flying fox colonies, warns a wildlife conservation organisation. It is estimated that perhaps hundreds of thousands of native flying foxes have died as a direct result of the record setting high temperatures in the heatwave event across Queensland and north western NSW.

Last year Australia suffered it’s hottest year on record, with scientists claiming that extensive fractional risk attribution modelling of 2013 temperatures that this was clearly caused by human greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

A wildlife conservation organisation, the Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland Ltd, said that “many colonies across South-East Queensland have been severely affected including those at Camira, Mt. Ommaney, Pan Pacific Gardens, Regents Park, Boonah, Bellmere, Pine Rivers and Palmwoods. Reports indicate all Western Suburbs colonies and inland, and colonies from Gympie down to Yamanto have been devastated.”

We tend to think of our own comfort and safety in extreme weather events, but animals and plants can also suffer. Heat related stress is a major cause of increased human mortality during heatwaves. But these events also impact populations of many species such as flying foxes and birds. They can’t seek shelter in air-conditioned lounge rooms or shopping centres (except maybe the odd few sparrows). Instead, they fall from their tree roosts suffering heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Flying foxes are nocturnal and act as long distance pollinators and agents for seed dispersal. One species, the Grey Headed Flying-fox, is listed under the EPBC Act and on the IUCN Redlist as vulnerable to extinction. This particular species is decreasing in numbers in Queensland with their range moving south.

“They’re one of the best wildlife species around. Unlike possums and koalas, they’ve got a very strong social structure.” Bat Conservation and Rescue president Louise Saunders told the Queensland Times.

Volunteers have been overwhelmed collecting the dead bodies and have brought in over 200 baby flying foxes for care.

“We have never seen this type of heat event devastation before and the massive amount of casualties as a result. From the initial call onwards, the camps fell like dominoes.” said Louise Saunders in a media statement.