PTEROPUS POLIOCEPHALUS

During an extreme heatwave across eastern Australia, thousands of fruit bats (Pteropus poliocephalus) died of heat stress and dehydration. Some estimates put the toll as high as one-third of the entire species. The destruction was particularly high-profile, because many cities and towns, including Melbourne, Adelaide and Bendigo, proudly host large fruit bat colonies in local botanical gardens. Wildlife authorities are researching strategies to reduce the impact of future hot spells, with tactics likely to include setting up mist sprays to keep the animals cool, and expanding carer services to better take care of orphaned young. CREDIT: IAN WARDIE / GETTY IMAGES