Flying-foxes dying of starvation

COUNCIL is urging anyone who comes across dead grey-headed flying-fox young to contact the RSPCA hotline immediately.
Dead flying-fox young have been found along the coast from Victoria to Queensland over the past few weeks, due to starvation from dwindling habitat and an acute food shortage.
According to prominent flying-fox experts, the recent strong El Nino weather pattern may also be a contributing factor to the deaths.
Noosa council’s flying-fox management officer Tyron de Kauwe said council was keeping a close eye on local populations and working closely with carers, other councils and the state government (DEHP) to monitor the progress of this event.
“Dead flying-fox young have been found in nearby areas, but it appears that Noosa Shire’s coastal camps have not yet been affected,” he said.
Grey-headed flying-foxes are listed as a threatened species with declining populations. Starving young flying-foxes lose the strength to hold onto their mothers, which produce less milk when food supplies are scarce.
If any member of the public finds a young flying-fox in distress, call the RSPCA hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or call a local bat rescue group on 5485 3393 or 5441 6200, and the nearest trained and registered carer will be directed to them.
Do not try to handle flying-foxes under any circumstance. If scratched or bitten, seek medical advice immediately.