Flying foxes are under threat from climate change, habitat loss, and now ... Australia's Environment Minister.
LAST UPDATED: 25 MAY 2016
Australia's fruit bats (aka flying foxes) are doing it tough. Some species have declined by 95% in the last century — with further decline predicted. But despite being listed as a 'threatened species', and entire populations facing increased threat to their existence, the country's Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, has now removed what little protection they had under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC). The Minister has allowed a fast-tracked approval to shift a flying fox ‘camp’ in Bateman’s Bay in NSW – against scientific advice. This decision will not only leave these animals even more vulnerable to distressing 'control' measures, but sets a dangerous precedent — removing the only legal process to shield their crucial roosting habitats from disturbance and destruction.
So while the Australian government doesn't appear to care much about flying foxes, here are five great reasons why the rest of us should:
1 Without them, entire ecosystems will collapse.
Flying foxes are not only remarkable (not to mention adorable) little creatures — they're vital to our environment. Without them, entire ecosystems could collapse. These native 'gardeners of the sky' help regenerate our forests and keep ecosystems healthy through pollination and seed dispersal. They are a migratory and nomadic 'keystone' species; meaning a species that many other species of plants and animals rely upon for their survival and well-being. Flying foxes, like bees, help drive biodiversity, and faced with the threat of climate change, land clearing, and other human-caused ecological pressures, we need them now more than ever.
Flying foxes are foresters keeping the eco-system together. If we are to keep the remnants of our forests healthy, we need the flying foxes. The two are inseparable.Dr Nicki Markus, Chief Conservation Office of Bush Heritage Australia
2 They're like little dogs ... but with wings.
Do those big brown eyes and that little wet nose remind you of anyone? Wildlife carers who spend countless hours with these little creatures describe them as highly affectionate, intelligent, full of personality, playful — and very endearing. They enjoy cuddles, ear massages and tummy rubs, and babies — called pups — thrive on contact and affection from their human carers.
3 They're facing cruelty and suffering at every turn.
For many species of wildlife, every day in the Australian wilderness presents another challenge, and with weather extremes predicted to get worse, the struggle to survive is going to get tougher. Flying foxes are particularly susceptible to the heat, and every scorching summer will see countless bats die from heat stress. As if that weren't bad enough — land clearing, shooting, and backyard fruit tree netting continues to cause untold suffering and death in many parts of Australia.
4 They could be on their way to extinction.
There are four mainland species of flying fox: Black, Grey headed, Spectacled and Little Red. Tragically, populations of flying foxes across Queensland, NSW and Victoria are in decline. Both the Grey-headed flying fox and Spectacled flying fox have declined by at least 95% in the past century, with massive losses in the past 30 years. Some researchers believe they could be functionally extinct by 2050.
5 They are precious native animals who need us — and we're letting them down.
Like many native animals, flying foxes' greatest threat is habitat loss. They fly by night in search of food, and return to the same trees each day to rest and chatter with their colony-mates. Flying foxes primarily migrate along the East coast of Australia — moving in entire camps or colonies as native food comes into season. They have done this for thousands of years — but over time, these colonies are being surrounded by human development, with locals complaining of the noise and smell, and netting their trees. Sadly, flying foxes are no match for developers, or councils responding to angered communities. The result: colonies are targeted for shooting — which is not only cruel, but totally ineffective. Many animals who are shot are only wounded, and slowly die over days from infection and dehydration. The situation is compounded when this is a female with a pup on board. The result is often that she and her baby perish slowly.
Flying foxes are essentially providing a community service. Other native animals and plants are reliant on them for their existence — they are keeping Australian native forests and its inhabitants alive! For their invaluable work, these native animals are treated disdain by some councils and politicians who employ poor and unscientific management schemes — such as lethal control or dispersal of colonies or camps — that not only do nothing to restore the balance between humans and wildlife, but can perpetuate misinformation and ignorance about these animals. What is really needed here is compassion and understanding.
Be a hero for Australian fruit bats
You don't need a cape or mask to be a superhero to bats (but if that's your thing, go for it). Here are two simple things you can do to protect these unique native animals from cruelty — and help them get back to looking after our precious ecosystems.
Spread the word. Most people know very little about flying foxes, so when the media runs with stories that paint them in a negative light, it only promotes misunderstanding and misinformation about these native animals. Help inform your friends and family by sharing this post, and encouraging understanding and tolerance — not demonisation.
Write to the Federal Environment Minister, Greg Hunt at Greg.Hunt.MP@aph.gov.au and urge him to help protect these native animals — who are already vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss -- rather than make their existence even more difficult.
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