How one heatwave killed 'a third' of a bat species in Australia

[Eugene]

Source: BBC

How one heatwave killed 'a third' of a bat species in Australia

By Frances Mao
BBC News, Sydney

15 January 2019

Over two days in November, record-breaking heat in Australia's north wiped out almost one-third of the nation's spectacled flying foxes, according to researchers.

The animals, also known as spectacled fruit bats, were unable to survive in temperatures which exceeded 42C.

In the city of Cairns, locals saw bats toppling from trees into backyards, swimming pools and other locations.

Wildlife rescuers found surviving animals clumped together, usually on branches closer to the ground.

-snip-

'Biblical scale'

Last week, researchers from Western Sydney University finalised their conclusion that about 23,000 spectacled flying foxes died in the event on 26 and 27 November.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-46859000


Many spectacled flying foxes were found dead around Cairns, a city in Queensland


Temperatures higher than 42C can kill flying foxes, scientists say

[Mickju]

1. How horrible!

They are beautiful, sentient animals.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. Those poor things! This is damn serious - what species is next??!