Geelong’s grey-headed flying-fox colony is set to get a respite from the summer heat with a smart irrigation infrastructure to be installed at Eastern Park in the coming months.
The City of Greater Geelong will install the system to assist in reducing heat stress deaths within the flying-fox colony.
These large fruit bats are a vulnerable species that are vital native pollinators and seed dispersers. They are key to supporting biodiversity in Greater Geelong and protecting local ecosystems.
The grey-headed flying-fox species can experience dehydration, hyperthermia, and death during major heat events.
To address this issue, the City will utilise sensing equipment that monitors temperature and humidity levels within the colony, and a new specially designed irrigating system that cools the environment, based on learned trigger points.
The organisation is working with local land managers, community groups such as the Friends of Bats and Bushcare, and the East Geelong Golf Club to identify the most suitable locations for the equipment and to ensure that the natural behaviour of the flying foxes isn’t disturbed.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said the City’s work to innovatively deploy smart technologies to help native wildlife was exciting.
“By monitoring environmental conditions and using a data-led cooling strategy, we hope to reduce heat related mortality in the grey-headed flying-fox colony and improve understanding of heat stress impacts,” he said.
“The project will also serve as a model for other regions that experience heat stress events and are seeking strategies to protect flying fox populations.”
The sprinkler and monitoring system in Eastern Gardens is supported by the Victorian government, which has provided the Friends of Bushcare and Bats Inc. $100,000 for the project.
