Locals are being reminded of the importance of grey-headed flying foxes.
Photo by
Kirsty Ramadan
As temperatures soared across the Goulburn Valley this week, an urgent effort has been under way to protect one of the region’s most distinctive and vulnerable populations — the grey-headed flying fox.
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Wildlife Victoria has deployed teams to two nationally significant flying fox colonies at Tatura and Numurkah, as the prolonged heatwave pushed temperatures into the low 40s and placed thousands of animals at risk.
The two camps, each home to an estimated 10,000 flying foxes, are among the largest in regional Victoria.
With no permanent cooling infrastructure in place, local intervention has been critical.
Wildlife Victoria volunteers, veterinarians and support staff arrived in the region last Saturday, working alongside Greater Shepparton City Council, Moira Shire Council and local wildlife carers to monitor the camps and respond as conditions worsened.
At Cussen Park in Tatura, council crews supplied a 1000-litre motorised water trailer and misting hoses, allowing Wildlife Victoria teams to spray the tree canopy to lower ambient temperatures.
“Watching bats actively fly into the misted areas shows just how much difference this makes,” Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palmer said.
She said the local response had been vital.
“The support from council staff and local volunteers has been incredible,” she said.
“Watching bats actively fly into the misted areas shows just how much difference this makes.”
Despite best efforts, about 100 flying foxes were found dead at Cussen Park late last month, with extreme heat overwhelming some animals before they could be treated.
Conditions at the Numurkah colony were expected to be more severe.
Volunteer Deb Fowler said the work was physically and emotionally demanding, particularly in the stifling conditions.
“We get out here before the heat hits, and stay through the hottest part of the day,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s still close to 40°C late at night. You don’t leave until the animals show signs they’re settling.”
Ms Palma said flying foxes played a critical role in the health of the Goulburn Valley’s eucalypt forests, acting as key pollinators across the region.
“We often think of birds and bees, but flying foxes are essential to keeping our forests healthy,” she said.
“Losing them would have serious long-term impacts on our local environment.”
With forecasts predicting continued extreme heat, Wildlife Victoria’s presence in Tatura and Numurkah was set to remain until the end of January.
The organisation is also preparing for a surge in calls to its 24/7 Wildlife Emergency Response Service as heat stress affects wildlife across the region.
Residents who encounter sick, injured or heat-affected wildlife are urged to contact Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300.
A grey-headed flying fox receives fluids to rehydrate.
Photo by
Contributed
Wildlife Victoria monitors grey-headed flying fox camps during the catastrophic heatwave.
Photo by
Pip Turton
