Climate change and the effects of temperature extremes on Australian flying-foxes

摘要: Little is known about the effects of temperature extremes on natural systems. This increasing concern now that climate models predict dramatic increases in intensity, duration and frequency such extremes. Here we examine behaviour demography vulnerable wild flying-foxes ( Pteropus spp.). On 12 January 2002 New South Wales, Australia, temperatures exceeding 42°C killed over 3500 individuals nine mixed-species colonies. In one colony, recorded a predictable sequence thermoregulatory behaviours (wing-fanning, shade-seeking, panting saliva-spreading, respectively) witnessed how 5–6% bats died from hyperthermia. Mortality was greater among tropical black flying-fox, alecto (10–13%) than temperate grey-headed poliocephalus (less 1%), young adult females were more affected males (young, 23–49%; females, 10–15%; males, less 3%). Since 1994, 30 000 (including at least 24 500 P. ) during 19 similar events. Although relatively affected, it currently expanding its range into variable envelope , which likelihood die-offs occurring this species. Temperature are important additional threats to Australian ecosystem services they provide, recommend close monitoring colonies where 42.0°C predicted. The highlight complex implications change for behaviour, species survival.