In January 2026, intense heatwaves swept through South-Eastern Australia, leading to the deaths of thousands of grey-headed flying foxes. This event marked one of the worst mass mortality incidents for these bats since the devastating Black Summer of 2019-2020.
A report from World Weather Attribution highlighted that human-caused climate change made this heatwave five times more likely. Now, such heat events are expected to occur once every five years. Grey-headed flying foxes, classified as vulnerable species, are essential for pollinating plants and spreading seeds. They help regenerate forests by primarily feeding on fruits and nectar.
These bats face a significant challenge when temperatures rise above 42°C. They lack sweat glands, which makes it hard to regulate their body heat. When temperatures climb beyond this threshold, they risk severe dehydration and even death. In a desperate bid to cool off, they often gather in groups, a behavior known as “clumping.” Unfortunately, this can trap heat and lead to even higher mortality rates.
The numbers tell a grim story. In Victoria alone, around 1,700 flying foxes died, which is nearly 5% of the state’s population. In one camp in Tatura, over 700 bats were lost. In New South Wales, death tolls reached hundreds at various sites, including a staggering 500 bats at one camp near Wollongong, wiping out about a third of that colony.
In South Australia, an alarming 80% of a colony in Naracoorte perished, leaving just 180 survivors. Many of these survivors are underweight and need special care. The costs of rehabilitating these bats can be high, requiring up to 350 grams of fruit per bat each day.
Animal care experts like Professor Justin Welbergen from Western Sydney University emphasize how critical temperatures can lead to mass deaths. He notes that interventions like spraying with water or misting can save lives when it’s dry. In Melbourne, for example, the heat reached 42.9°C, and such measures helped reduce fatalities.
However, during humid conditions, these methods can backfire. In Melbourne, only three misting machines were available for 18 colonies, forcing volunteers to rely on handheld sprayers.
Efforts to rescue these bats have been commendable but tough. Teams from Wildlife Victoria worked tirelessly in extreme heat to mist bat colonies, which proved rewarding when they could save lives. For example, at Adelaide’s Botanic Park, effective misting limited deaths during a sweltering 44.7°C day.
Despite these challenges, the ongoing threat of climate change looms large. Extreme weather events are becoming more common, putting entire bat populations at risk. Long-term solutions will require urgent efforts to cut emissions and restore their habitats. Without action, we may see more tragedies that threaten the survival of these crucial animals.
For more insights into the relationship between climate change and wildlife, check out resources from organizations like the Australian Conservation Foundation.
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australia,bats,Biodiversity Loss,Climate Change,extreme temperatures,flying foxes,Heatwave
