FLYING foxes are one of the most maligned animals in Australia.
The often-repeated line is that they are a smelly, diseased creature of the night.
Flying foxes, though, are in fact highly intelligent, clean and sociable animals.
They are vital to the continuation of natural ecosystems and are our only nocturnal long-distance pollinators.
As nectarivores and pollinators of native eucalypts, flying foxes are essential to maintaining healthy forests to support other species like koalas.
While contending with a catastrophic loss of habitat, flying foxes are also facing a new menace – Flying Fox Paralysis Syndrome.
In the past three years, clusters of paralysis have been identified in flying-foxes (and also lorikeets) in Southeast Queensland and Northeast NSW, especially when periods of heavy rain occur.
Researchers have found that particularly after heavy dumps of rain, the flying foxes – and lorikeets – suffer difficulty breathing and limb paralysis.
Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland carer and rescuer Rebecca Appleton said the paralysis causes kidneys to fail because the animals have been unable to drink for so long.
“We can save them if we get to them in time,” Ms Appleton said.
“If people see a flying fox with paralysis, keep any pets and people away from it so that it doesn’t get further distressed and call your local bat rescue organisation.”
Ms Appleton said she has nurtured many bats from sickness to health in recent years.
“The babies develop such a strong bond with you and become very attached,” she said.
“They are cute and very affectionate, but the absolute worst scenario would be that they think of humans as a comfort source, so we ensure rescued bats are dehumanised before releasing them into the wild.
“What is so important now is to start a conversation about why flying foxes, and all bats, are vitally important to the environment and are not some terrifying creatures.
Contact Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland at bats.org.au.
