EnviroMatters Magazine Spr-Sum 2024-25

6 | Environment Matters

Heatwave is dangerous for lots of animals – even humans – but flying foxes have an even harder time when the temperature and humidity soars. Heat stress in flying foxes

Summer is a peak time for flying foxes roosting in Ipswich, when we have an influx of migrating little red flying foxes alongside the black and grey-headed flying foxes. Flying foxes are essential long-range pollinators of native forests – especially eucalypts – that other species such as koalas rely on. These can also be a sign that a flying fox is feeling heat stress: MINOR STRESS Fanning wings. MODERATE STRESS Clustering in lower branches or in bushes. PRESSURE POINTS 38°C Flying foxes begin to suffer heat stress if temperatures go higher than this.

Flying fox fatalities occur. Consecutive days over 40°C can also lead to flying fox deaths. Humidity over 70% can quickly worsen heat stress and limit cooling options.

42°C

Clumping on top of each other in bushes or on the ground, licking wrists, panting, salivating.

MAJOR STRESS

CRITICAL STRESS

70%

Collapsing and falling from trees.

No Sweat. No Good. A lot of animals, including humans, cool down through sweat drying on our skin. Flying foxes don’t have sweat glands, so they rely on other measures to cool down.

HOW YOU CAN HELP IN A HEATWAVE Council increases monitoring of flying fox roosts on public land during peak season and high temperatures. Heatwave response must be determined on a case-by-case basis under expert supervision as some cooling measures can cause more fatalities in the wrong conditions.

IF YOU LIVE NEAR A ROOST: Observe from a distance – disturbing flying foxes can lead to more deaths NEVER touch a flying fox If you find an injured, sick or orphaned flying fox or bat call Bat Rescue 3062 6730; or Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland 0488 228 134.

Flying foxes drink water by swooping down to a waterbody, dipping their belly in, then landing in a tree to lick the water from their fur.

Find more information at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/flyingfox