Urgent: Could This Adorable ‘Chonky’ Flying Fox Face Extinction from the Next Cyclone?

The Christmas Island flying fox is the last native mammal on Christmas Island, and it’s in serious trouble. This adorable bat, smaller and fluffier than many of Australia’s mainland flying foxes, faces extinction without a solid recovery plan.

Dr. Annabel Dorrestein from Western Sydney University has studied these bats for nearly a decade. She describes them as “incredibly cute,” resembling little teddy bears. Sadly, their numbers are dropping rapidly. In the 1980s, around 2,000 of these bats roamed the trees of Hosnies Spring, one of their main roosting spots. Now, estimates suggest fewer than 400 are left.

History shows that Christmas Island has already lost many native mammals. The Christmas Island pipistrelle, a tiny bat, was declared extinct in 2009. Experts argue that the current conservation advice for the flying fox is outdated and ineffective. Prof. Justin Welbergen emphasizes the urgent need for a fresh approach, especially since previous conservation efforts for other species failed.

The flying fox plays a key role in the ecosystem, acting as a vital pollinator and helping to spread seeds. But habitat destruction, introduced pests, and other threats put them at greater risk. The fragile situation is worsened by the fact that this species lacks an updated recovery plan—a rarity among critically endangered mammals in Australia.

In March, the environment minister announced that many species wouldn’t require a recovery plan. However, experts like James Trezise from the Biodiversity Council stress that a detailed plan is crucial. He cites the importance of pinpointing threats and necessary actions for recovery.

For instance, severe weather could wipe out these bats in an instant, as they only inhabit this one island. Efforts for their preservation must gain momentum before it’s too late, or we may face another extinction that we could have prevented.

As conversations about wildlife conservation continue to trend on social media, more people are becoming aware of the plight of the Christmas Island flying fox. With the right support and actions, there’s still hope to save this unique species.

For more detailed insights about wildlife conservation, you can check out the resources from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

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