Populations of endangered grey headed flying foxes were devastated in Tatura and Echuca during a heatwave this month.
Hundreds of endangered grey headed flying foxes died during the early January heatwave in Victoria, angering volunteers who say they called for preventative action.
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An estimated 800 to 1000 bats at Tatura’s nationally significant colony died from heat stress as temperatures climbed above 40ºC over three consecutive days.
A smaller colony at the Echuca cemetery is also thought to have lost more than 10 per cent of its population during the same period.
The cemetery’s colony ranges from zero to 300 bats, but wasestimated by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to have a population of 210 in December.
DEECA is the designated lead control agency for responding to wildlife welfare arising from a declared emergency event, including for grey headed flying foxes, which are vulnerable to extreme heat.
Fly By Night Bat Clinic wildlife rehabilitator Tamsyn Hogarth, who co-ordinates the care and rescue of bats across the state, said she liaised with DEECA before the heatwave.
Initially given assurance the department would help protect the bats, she said the rug was pulled on volunteers before the weather struck.
“We were worried about resources, but DEECA did say they were going to be across it, they would have resources ― until they didn’t,” Ms Hogarth said.
“You need to have volunteers monitoring for camp collapse, where animals are in extreme distress.”
Ms Hogarth said volunteers were also temporarily barred from entering any of the 16 or so colonies across the state.
Asked to respond to Ms Hogarth’s claims, a DEECA spokesperson said the department worked to support the bats during extreme heat events.
“We understand it is distressing to see the impact of extreme temperatures on our flying fox populations,” they said.
“DEECA has been working with land managers, including Parks Victoria, to ensure grey headed flying foxes that died as a result of the extreme temperatures in early January 2026 are safely collected and disposed of.”
The department’s approach to managing heat stress in the species places human safety as the highest priority.
It also looks to minimise disturbances to flying fox camps and deploy response teams with local knowledge and behavioural expertise.
A deceased flying fox under collapsed branches at Tatura in early January. Photo: Fly By Night Bat Clinic Victoria/Facebook
Ms Hogarth said, while some deaths were inevitable, volunteers could have been ready to assist properly with water drops and observation if they weren’t misled by DEECA.
“In 45 degree heat, you’re going to have issues, and that’s what happened. They just didn’t initiate any volunteer groups,’’ she said.
“They rattle on about being prepared and preparedness and ‘we have these plans in place’, but when it comes to it, they actually don't have any of that.”
As a species, grey headed flying foxes are considered a crucial pollinator for eucalyptus trees.
They spread pollen by feeding on nectar and flowers, which can be carried over vast distances, supporting other native wildlife reliant on the habitat.
Land clearing in northern states has diminished the bat’s main food sources and pushed populations into areas they wouldn’t normally stay long-term.
Extreme temperatures were again forecast to hit the region from Saturday, January 24, reaching a peak the following Tuesday.
Community members should not touch flying foxes under any circumstances and should instead phone an approved wildlife carer or Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300.
Large groups of dead flying foxes can be reported to DEECA by phoning 136 186.
39°C