Sensors help flying foxes keep cool
Next-gen sensors are helping Moreton Bay City Council and wildlife carers manage flying fox roosts as the region braces for a summer scorcher.
Queensland tech company Kallipr will roll out 16 specialised sensors across eight flying fox roosts, providing real time monitoring data for council.
The devices provide alarms when temperatures exceed a threshold for flying fox roosts so Council officers and wildlife carers can try and alleviate impacts of heat stress.
“With South-East Queensland experiencing a spring heatwave and summer around the corner, it’s important we keep tabs on how native animals are faring,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.
“Using these sensors, Council can monitor flying fox roosts for heat stress and pass on data to researchers to develop an understanding of heat stress and what measures can be taken for future events.”
Designed for harsh environments and areas with unreliable phone connection, sensors will replace the need for officers to travel to check on roosts and take temperatures.
Moreton Bay is home to three known species of flying foxes - Black and Grey-headed flying foxes are present in the City year round, while Little Red flying foxes are a summer visitor.
Mayor Flannery said residents should not try to handle an injured flying fox and instead contact a local wildlife carer.
“An injured animal is more likely to defend itself if stressed or provoked, so be sure to give them a wide berth and contact a wildlife carer as soon as possible,” he said.
“While less than one per cent of fruit bats (flying foxes) carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus, a bat bite, scratch or exposure to bat saliva through your eyes, nose or mouth can transmit the virus. Always remember -no touch, no risk.”
Dead animals found on Council-owned roads, parks, and footpaths can be reported to Council for removal by phoning 3205 0555 or 1300 477 161.
For more information on flying foxes, visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Environment/Moreton-Bay-Wildlife/Local-Wildlife/Flying-Foxes