NSW flying foxes starving, breeding prematurely in crisis numbers
More than 460 malnourished flying foxes reported since September, with 95 per cent of premature pups estimated to die.
Wildlife rescue volunteers across NSW have received more than 460 reports of malnourished grey-headed flying foxes since late September. A suspected mass starvation event prior to the October birthing season triggered unprecedented rates of premature births.
Flying fox pups born underweight face a much higher risk of death. The volunteer rescue group FAWNA estimates about 95 per cent of prematurely born pups will die in care.
Some newborns weighed only 38 grams; healthy pups are born at 80 to 90 grams. The federal environment department is investigating the cause.
It is believed to be linked to temporary food shortages, but no confirmed explanation has been found. Rescue volunteers are overwhelmed, with some responding to dozens of calls daily at roosting sites and residential properties.
- 460+
- Malnourished reports since late
- 95%
- Pups estimated to die in care
- 38 grams
- Smallest pup weighed
- 80-90 grams
- Healthy pup birth weight
Why it mattersA mass starvation event is killing flying fox pups before they can survive on their own, raising questions about environmental threats to the species.
AustraliaNSW residents near roosting sites may encounter distressed or dead flying foxes; wildlife rescue services are stretched dangerously thin.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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