Claude is a little black fruit bat (Flying Fox) that was caught in fruit netting and suffered a badly torn wing.
Love them or hate them, bats are important little animals, vital to the survival of our native forests as their long-ranging flight ensures the propogation of regrowth. As they feast on the nectar of flowering native trees and plants the bats pollinate in a much wider range than that of bees.
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-ecosystems/wildlife/living_with_wildlife/flyingfoxes/flyingfox_fable.html
Sorry, I still can't do links, but if you'd like to learn more about the bats above is the web address.
The wing is very delicate and cannot be stitched so his carer has glued the tear together and supported the mend with medical tape. The little tartan coat he is wearing will immobilize the arm while the tear heals. If the mend is successful Claude will need physio therapy to get the joint working again - administered by his carer. They're a dedicated bunch, these carers - volunteers who mostly have full time day jobs but are happy to turn out at the drop of a hat to rescue an injured animal. If the wing will not heal, Claude will have to be euthanized as he will be unable to function in the wild and, although he would make a lovely little pet, to keep him in captivity is illegle in Queensland.
Claude was lucky; the fruit grower in whose net he was caught notified Queensland Bat Rescue who expertly removed him from the tangle and took him to safety. Although the bats are neither aggressive or vicious, like any injured animal they may bite or scratch their rescuer so it is important that well-meaning members of the public don't touch them.
I was interested to learn that bats are not rodents but an offshoot of the primates (more like us) and that research is at present being carried out to learn more about their remarkable immune system. It is also comforting to know that the dreaded Hendra virus (also carried by feral cats) that is linked to the flying fox cannot be passed on by them to humans. It's only once the disease comes into contact with horses that it becomes dangerous to us.
I am sincerely hoping that research is being done to learn why that happens and how it can be fixed in a manner that will benefit both species.
That's all for now, until next time.
My goodness...I'm usually fairly creeped out by bats, but that guy is too cute. Must be the plaid. I hope he mends quickly and is back to his innate battiness soon!
ReplyDeleteHello Laurie. I used to feel creeped out too but meeting these little blokes has changed that. They are so cute and very shy.
ReplyDeleteHe's completely adorable! I hope his wing heals nicely!
ReplyDeleteNot ready I've heard that he is doing well so far.
ReplyDeleteOh I was so scared of them as a child as everyone told me they will fly into your hair and get stuck, na na now. Im not scared anymore and his so cute. Hope he makes it as Im praying for the little fellow, god bless them all and their carers :)P.S Had to stand on my head to look at his face lol
ReplyDeleteDonz, I'm told their eyesight is too well adapted to night flying to allow such accidents, and the little ones that use sonar will dodge anything in their way. Another myth busted, Lol.
ReplyDeleteOh poor little guy, we get them coming to feed in the banksia and gum trees, I like to hear them squabbling with one another when they first land in the trees.
ReplyDeleteMy fingers are crossed that his wing heals ok. Isn't there some special license to allow him to be kept for educational purposes? If not there should be, especially for some of the horsey people who believe nature should come second to their expensive horses*!*
Annie, Unfortunately only perfect animals may be kept for educational purposes. A daft idea I think as I feel education includes knowledge of the damage our unsafe practices can do. :)
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