Flying Foxes Starving in NSW and Victoria Food Crisis 2026

Flying foxes are facing a mass starvation crisis across New South Wales and parts of Victoria, with wildlife rescuers reporting a surge in exhausted and emaciated adults and skeletal pups. The food shortages have left these vulnerable animals struggling to survive, prompting urgent calls for public assistance.

What's Causing the Flying Fox Food Shortage?

The crisis stems from a severe lack of native blossoms and nectar, the primary food source for grey-headed flying foxes. According to the NSW environment department, food shortages are affecting regions from the northern rivers to the south coast. In Victoria, rescue organisations are reporting increased callouts, particularly in East Gippsland and Castlemaine. This shortage is likely linked to climate variability, habitat loss, and extreme weather events that have disrupted flowering cycles.

Impact on Flying Fox Populations

Grey-headed flying foxes are listed as vulnerable under federal environment laws. The current starvation event is devastating, with many bats dying, including premature pups. Rachael Smethurst, bat coordinator at Fawna wildlife rescue on the NSW mid-north coast, says the organisation is receiving 50 to 90 calls daily—more than the total bat callouts for the previous nine months. "They're coming into back yards to eat ornamental fruit trees and eating a lot of ripe and unripe cocos palms," she said. "They're crawling around on the ground eating unripe dropped fruit, and quite literally dropping out of trees due to starvation."

How Wildlife Rescuers Are Responding

Wildlife rescue groups like Fawna and Wires are working tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate affected flying foxes. However, the sheer volume of calls is overwhelming. Rescuers are providing supplementary food, such as fruit, and caring for emaciated bats. The public is urged to report any distressed flying foxes and to avoid handling them without expert guidance.

Key Takeaways

• Flying foxes in NSW and Victoria are starving due to a severe shortage of native blossoms and nectar.
• Rescue organisations are receiving an unprecedented number of calls, with many bats dying.
• Grey-headed flying foxes are vulnerable and face significant threats from food shortages.
• Public support and reporting are crucial to help wildlife rescuers manage the crisis.

Comparison of Flying Fox Species and Their Status

How You Can Help Flying Foxes

If you live in affected areas, you can help by planting native trees that provide food for flying foxes, such as eucalypts and melaleucas. Avoid using netting that can entangle bats, and report any distressed flying foxes to local wildlife rescue groups. Donations to organisations like Wires and Fawna can also support rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

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