Using wildlife carer records to identify patterns in flying-fox rescues: a case study in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Injured flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.) are frequently taken into care in eastern Australia. In particular, the grey-headed flying-fox (P. poliocephalus), a vulnerable species, is affected by several threats, which are partly mitigated through rescue and rehabilitation. This study examined patterns in flying-fox rescues in New South Wales (NSW) between 2011–12 and 2016–17 using annual reporting data from wildlife rehabilitation organisations. Specifically, we examined (1) species and demographic patterns in flying-foxes rescues; (2) the geographical distribution of flying-fox rescues; (3) reported causes of injury; and (4) release rates of rehabilitated flying-foxes. P. poliocephalus accounted for the largest proportion of flying-fox rescues. Most rescues occurred in coastal regions, with more than one-third of P. poliocephalus rescues occurring in the Sydney region and more than one-third of black (P. alecto) and little red (P. scapulatus) flying-fox rescues occurring on the NSW Far North Coast. A broad range of factors was involved in flying-foxes coming into care, the main ones being entanglements, heat stress, orphaned pups and electrocutions. Release rates of rehabilitated flying-foxes were high, especially in pups and juveniles. These results demonstrate the potential conservation value of flying-fox rehabilitation. High proportions of injuries caused by entanglements, heat stress and electrocutions highlight the importance of ongoing threat mitigation efforts.