While in the Northern Hemisphere we still have a little left to finish the winter, In Australia, trees are filling up with dead giant bats. The reason?
A brutal one heat wave It's bringing temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius to the southeast of the continent, such as Singleton, which is too much for these animals. This phenomenon has been recorded as one of the most worrying in relation to extreme climates and their effects on local wildlife.
The Australian Giant Bat
The Australian giant bat or flying fox, is part of the suborder Megachiroptera. This fascinating species includes bats that grow up to 40 cm long, have a wingspan of 150 cm, and can weigh over a kilogram. To survive, They feed mainly on fruits and flower nectar, so they can always be found in or near trees, where they take the opportunity to rest and protect themselves from the intense heat. However, the high temperatures that are being recorded In Australia these days they are endangering the already threatened population of Australian giant bats, which is related to the issue of the heat wave in Australia and the death of bats.
The effects of the heat wave are devastating: many of them die while trying to rest, hanging from branches. Some bodies are even suspended due to rigor mortis, while others fall to the ground.
This situation has been so surprising that Various photos and videos have been released on social networksLocal authorities are working hard to remove the carcasses from the trees and have issued warnings to residents not to touch them, as they can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, such as rabies.
Fires and Climate Change
In addition, some of the worst storms are occurring in the east of the country. forest fires in recent history, endangering not only Australian fauna but also flora. These fires, fueled by extreme weather conditions, have brought many species to the brink of extinction.
- Increasingly frequent heat waves threaten the survival of several species in Australia.
- Extreme weather conditions are linked to climate change.
- Bats are key to the ecosystem, helping with pollination and seed dispersal.
- The deaths of these animals are an indicator of the environmental impact that climate change is having.
In many areas, climate change is manifested not only in rising temperatures, but also in the frequent drought and decreased rainfallAccording to experts, Warmer and drier weather conditions have led to the loss of critical habitat for many speciesResearchers at the University of Sydney have found that heatwaves and droughts will affect the flora that supports koalas, which, in turn, presents an additional problem for the ecosystem. It is clear that the bats' plight is linked to the climate change crisis.
Since 1910, Australia has experienced a warming of approximately one degree Celsius on average. The frequency and intensity of extreme heat waves have escalated over the past few decades and are expected to continue to do so in the future. In fact, a study from the Australian National University predicted that Summer temperatures could reach up to 50 degrees Celsius by 2040, which underlines the seriousness of the situation regarding the heat wave in Australia and bat deaths.
The Bat Crisis
In the past, similar events have led to the deaths of thousands of flying foxes. In November, more than 23,000 spectacled bats died in just two days in Cairns, representing a third of the population of this species in Australia. This has led many to wonder if Australia could be the site of the more severe consequences of climate change.
Wildlife authorities have warned of a Increase in the number of bites and scratches by bats, a result of the stress that high temperatures cause in these animals. In New South Wales, a "bat danger alert" has been issued, as more than seven people have been bitten in a short period of time, some of whom were diagnosed with a virus related to rabies. This is a clear example of how the heat wave in Australia It affects not only wildlife, but also people's safety.
Bats, like flying foxes, are crucial to the Australian ecosystem, playing a vital role in the pollination of various plant species and seed dispersal. According to the Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service, the heatwave's effect not only affects bats, but is an indicator of the broader climate crisis facing Australia. As heat waves continue, the relationship between these extreme events and the health of local wildlife is becoming increasingly evident.
Amid all these difficulties, volunteers and rescuers are working tirelessly to help the affected animals. Multiple rescues have been reported, where caregivers wear protective clothing and are vaccinated to prevent the spread of disease. The situation is grim, but the commitment of these rescuers is invaluable.
The problem of high temperatures and their impact on Australian wildlife is only part of a larger challenge we face globally. It is essential to heed scientists' warnings and take action to protect our planet. The phenomenon of heat wave in Australia It is a stark reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis.
It appears that Australian bats are suffering from the rigors of heat and climate change. The human being, who has air conditioning, seems not to want to realize the gravity of this issue. Thus, a multitude of "deniers" of climate change have emerged today, which we could summarize in the following types:
1.- Climate change does not exist.
2.- Climate change exists but it is not caused by humans.
3.- Climate change exists but they are causing it by manipulating the climate with Haarp antennas (conspiracy theory)
4.- Climate change exists, it is irreversible and we can do nothing.
All these kinds of "denial" come up with a single idea, which is to "sit" and wait like Australian bats that perish on a branch and cannot do anything to combat the heat.
In the face of all these inactivity approaches, we have an accurate and courageous thought, based on the action of measures linked to curbing greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear the link between the curves of temperature increase and the amount of C02 emitted since there are records. But at present there is another hopeful curve for our species and many others. This curve is none other than the growth in quantity and improvement in the performance of renewable energies and electric vehicles. If we look at the development curve that is taking place in this regard, due to its similarity to the previous ones, we would realize that life today and the survival of our species are the biggest and best «suspense movie». I don't think I need to go to the movies, or read a book, or go to the theater. The tension of the plot of this story has me totally shocked.