Fruit bats may migrate as far south as Tasmania in the future as a result of extreme weather events linked to the climate crisis, new modelling suggests.
University of Tasmania scientists predicted the grey-headed flying fox could take “climate refuge” in the southernmost state in coming decades if greenhouse gas emissions continued on their current trajectory.
Tasmania is currently home to eight species of small bats, but no “megabats” such as flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, which are mostly found in eastern and northern Australia.
The study’s lead author, Vishesh Diengdoh, warned the encroachment of flying foxes into previously uninhabited areas could have significant effects on Tasmania’s ecosystems and agriculture.
https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.amp...-seek-climate-refuge-as-far-south-as-tasmania
University of Tasmania scientists predicted the grey-headed flying fox could take “climate refuge” in the southernmost state in coming decades if greenhouse gas emissions continued on their current trajectory.
Tasmania is currently home to eight species of small bats, but no “megabats” such as flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, which are mostly found in eastern and northern Australia.
The study’s lead author, Vishesh Diengdoh, warned the encroachment of flying foxes into previously uninhabited areas could have significant effects on Tasmania’s ecosystems and agriculture.
https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.amp...-seek-climate-refuge-as-far-south-as-tasmania