Once again, Australia’s flying-foxes are in trouble.

Wildlife carers have been overwhelmed by large numbers of distressed animals needing care. Banana and berry growers are reporting crop damage and sightings of weakened bats. New South Wales and eastern Victoria are the areas currently affected. Grey-headed flying-foxes seem to be the worst affected species.

The most likely cause is a food shortage. Australia had a very warm winter, which may have changed the flowering patterns of some trees and led to a nectar shortage. This isn’t yet confirmed, as investigations are continuing.