Uncertain future for flying foxes as they drop dead by the dozen across the Shoalhaven

Wildlife Rescue South Coast (WRSC) confirmed 37 dead flying foxes have been reported since Friday, and have been found all over the Shoalhaven.

This has raised major concerns for WRSC's flying fox co-ordinator, Janine Davies, who said the already vulnerable species could be pushed closer to extinction if these numbers continue.

"With the amount that are dying over the recent years, they'll probably be extinct within 50 years," Ms Davies said.

"They are a keystone species. They pollinate a vast number of eucalyptus species by going from tree to tree, and then disperse the seeds for more native fruit trees to grow.

"Without them, so many other species of animals, including humans, will be impacted. Koalas, insects and birds all eat eucalyptus leaves."

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Residents in Tapitallee, Bomaderry, Vincentia, Callala Bay and Ulladulla reported dead flying foxes in their backyards over the weekend.

Ms Davies said the recent rainfall that battered the South Coast has caused the bats main source of food - eucalypt nectar - to wash away.

This has forced starving bats who are trying to bulk up ahead of mating season resort to eating toxic fruit grown on cocos palm trees.

"Unfortunately, when cocos palm fruit is developing and ripening, it is highly toxic and it kills," Ms Davies said.

"The combination of the bats being starving and eating cocos palm is what we believe is the cause of them dying."

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Recent droughts, bushfires and floods also caused the bats food supply to run dry, with around 18,000 lost in the Shoalhaven over two years, Ms Davies said.

"In the midst of the fires, we did a rescue at Kangaroo Valley and brought 200 babies home to my place," Ms Davies said.

"It was horrific. They need to be protected."

Ms Davies urged residents who come across sick or dead flying foxes to not touch them, to report to WRSC and remove berries from their cocos palm trees.

"Don't touch them with your hands. People may be requested to get thick garden gloves or get a spade to dispose of them in their garbage if they continue to fall in large numbers," Ms Davies said.

"If people have cocos palms, they can get elongated poles to saw off the berries.

"Always call Wildlife Rescue South Coast so we can continue to work out what we're dealing with."

Residents can contact Wildlife Rescue South Coast hotline at: 0418 427 214 and find more information about the species at the Shoalhaven Bat Clinic's website.

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