Flying foxes face mass starvation across Australian states
Wildlife rescuers report surge in calls about starving bats in New South Wales and Victoria.
At a glance
- Wildlife rescuers responding to surge in reports of starving flying foxes in NSW and Victoria
- Grey-headed flying foxes, listed as vulnerable, primarily affected by food shortages
- Bats documented as exhausted, emaciated and malnourished across affected areas
- Species typically depends on native tree blossoms and nectar for food
Flying foxes are experiencing widespread food shortages across New South Wales and parts of Victoria, prompting wildlife rescuers to respond to increasing reports of malnourished animals. The majority of cases involve grey-headed flying foxes, which are listed as vulnerable under federal environment law and typically feed on native tree blossoms and nectar.
Rescuers have documented exhausted and emaciated adult bats alongside skeletal young, indicating severe nutritional stress across the species' population in the affected regions.
Why it matters
Grey-headed flying foxes hold vulnerable species status under federal law, making population declines a conservation concern for Australian wildlife authorities.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — WorldFlying foxes in NSW and Victoria face mass starvation amid food shortages
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