Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Flying-foxes
Protocols for heat stress events at Yarra Bend Park
Australasian Inter-service
Incident Management System
January 2011
Version 1.7
Version Control
Version Date
1
April 2006
1.2
November 2007
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
April 2009
Sept 2009
October 2009
November 2010
February 2011
Reviewed/Edited by
Merryn Kelly and Michelle McHugh
Merryn Kelly and Kirsty
Greengrass
Leah Slater
S.Diez
S.Diez
Michael Basson
Michael Basson
Acknowledgments
These protocols have been developed with the assistance of a range of volunteer and other
organisations dealing with wildlife welfare issues. The Department would like to thank the
Arthur Rylah Institute, Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology, Aware, Department of
Primary Industries, Friends of Bats, Help for Wildlife, John Nelson, Melbourne Zoo, Parks
Victoria, RSPCA, Victorian Animal Welfare Association, and Wildlife Victoria, for their
involvement in caring for animals suffering from heat stress and their willingness to be involved
in the process of developing these protocols.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... 3
1
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Background .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Objectives/scope of Protocol ................................................................................................. 6
1.3 Physiology of Flying-foxes ..................................................................................................... 6
1.4 AIIMS procedures ................................................................................................................... 7
2
HEAT STRESS EVENTS................................................................................................................ 11
2.1 What defines a heat stress event? ..................................................................................... 11
2.2 Other incidents requiring human intervention.................................................................. 11
3
MONITORING ............................................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Weather conditions ............................................................................................................... 12
3.2 On site assessment............................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Flying-fox behaviour ............................................................................................................. 13
4
INTERVENTION TRIGGERS/DECISION MAKING PROCESS.................................................. 15
4.1 Triggers and the required level of human intervention................................................... 15
4.2 Decision making process in managing a heat stress event ............................................ 18
4.3 Contact network and communication responsibilities...................................................... 18
4.4 Setting up on the day of a heat stress event ................................................................... 19
4.5 Further measures for Extreme Risk heat stress events ................................................. 19
4.5.1 Prior to the Extreme heat event ...................................................................................... 20
4.5.2 Preventative response ....................................................................................................... 20
4.5.3 On an Extreme heat event day:....................................................................................... 20
5
GUIDELINES FOR TREATING GREY-HEADED FLYING-FOXES .............................................. 23
5.1 Clinical Signs of Dehydration & Heat Illness ..................................................................... 23
5.2 Guidelines for initial treatment response........................................................................... 24
5.2.1 Flying-foxes in trees........................................................................................................... 24
5.2.2 Flying-foxes on the ground............................................................................................... 25
5.2.3 Management of Flying-foxes approved to be brought to carers................................. 27
5.2.4 Guidelines for initial treatment response - Summary flowcharts ................................ 30
5.2.5 Criteria for release post therapy ...................................................................................... 34
5.2.6 Vet examination ................................................................................................................. 34
5.3 Determining release location............................................................................................... 34
5.4 Tagging/marking protocols.................................................................................................. 35
5.5 Data collection....................................................................................................................... 35
6
EQUIPMENT.................................................................................................................................. 37
6.1 Equipment required for the Incident Control Centre (ICC)............................................. 37
6.2 Replenishing Consumables .................................................................................................. 38
6.3 Equipment for Carers ........................................................................................................... 38
7
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS .......................................... 40
7.1 Responsibilities of the Incident Management Team (IMT) ............................................. 40
7.2 Other Roles and Responsibilities......................................................................................... 42
7.3 Volunteers .............................................................................................................................. 42
7.4 Staffing Requirements.......................................................................................................... 43
7.5 Briefings ................................................................................................................................. 43
7.6 Key Contacts.......................................................................................................................... 44
8
RISK AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING ...................................................................................... 45
8.1 Types of Risk ......................................................................................................................... 45
8.2 Evacuation Plan ..................................................................................................................... 45
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY............................................................................................................ 46
9.1 Communication Plan ............................................................................................................. 46
9.2 Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 46
9.3 Audience................................................................................................................................. 46
Page 1 of 80
10
11
12
13
14
Page 2 of 80
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
These protocols are specifically related to managing heat stress events.
However the AIIMS process and structure as set out in these guidelines
could be modified to manage other severe adverse events not specifically
related to heat stress.
The protocols will continue to be updated and amended as needed.
In 2003, Melbournes Grey-headed Flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) were
relocated from the Royal Botanic Gardens which resulted in the formation of 2 new
campsites the main colony at Yarra Bend Park in Melbournes east and a smaller
colony at Eastern Park in Geelong. Relocation was considered necessary as
increasing numbers of Flying-foxes were impacting on the culturally and historically
significant garden.
The Flying-foxes are listed as threatened under both the Victorian Flora and Fauna
Guarantee Act 1988 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999. They are also protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
Since December 2005 a series of prolonged high and extreme temperature days
have resulted in the colony at Yarra Bend Park suffering from severe heat stress
where large numbers of Grey-headed Flying-foxes died.
DSE has a role in managing and monitoring the colony at the new campsite. A
Management Plan for the Yarra Bend Park Campsite has been prepared and
implemented to ensure the roosting opportunities and habitat quality continues to
improve.
These protocols (which use the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management
System (AIIMS) structure) have been developed to provide guidance when dealing
with a heat stress event in Flying-foxes.
Heat stress events are natural and Flying-foxes have evolved to deal with
temperatures in excess of 40oC for short periods. However they are not equipped to
deal with prolonged temperatures in excess of 40oC, especially when the heat is
accompanied by low humidity and hot drying winds.
Heat stress in Flying-foxes can be identified using behavioural criteria. Heat stressed
animals may flap their wings while stationary, pant, move lower in the vegetation,
dip their bellies into the river and drop to the ground to find cooler areas.
These protocols:
Identify what may be considered a heat stress event;
Identify monitoring requirements to predict conditions that may impact on the
Flying-foxes;
Identify when human intervention is required and what form it should take;
Identify roles and responsibilities of people involved in responding to a heat
stress event;
Page 3 of 80
1
2
3
4
Table
Table
Table
Table
1
2
3
4
Table 5
Title
AIIMS structure
AIIMS Incident Management Team
Structure
Decision flow chart Grey-headed Flyingfox heat stress event
Grey-headed Flying-foxes in trees
Flying-foxes on the ground
Grey-headed Flying-foxes taken into care
Page
7
8
9
10
75
76
16
43
44
49
Page 4 of 80
21
21
32
33
73
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
In 2003, Melbournes Grey-headed Flying-foxes (subsequently referred to as Flyingfoxes) were relocated from the Royal Botanic Gardens resulting in the formation of
two new campsites - the main colony is located at Yarra Bend Park, 5 km north east
of Melbourne CBD and the other, smaller, colony is at Eastern Park in Geelong (DSE,
2005). Relocation was considered necessary as increasing numbers were impacting
on the culturally and historically significant gardens.
Yarra Bend Park (260 ha) is located on the Yarra River in Fairfield of which, 26 ha
was identified for the purpose of managing the Flying-fox colony. The colony is
located adjacent to the Yarra Bend Golf Club (see Map 1).
The Flying-foxes are listed as threatened under both the Victorian Flora and Fauna
Guarantee Act 1988 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999. In Victoria, the Flying-foxes are also protected under the
Wildlife Act 1975.
As the species is migratory, numbers in the colony vary based on the season,
however over the last 20 years the numbers of Flying-foxes both visiting and residing
in Melbourne has increased significantly (DSE 2005). The growth of the colony from
1994 onwards was exponential, with a peak in March 2003 at between 20 000 (static
count) and 30 000 (fly-out count) individuals (van der Ree et al 2005). The size of
the Yarra Bend colony during summer remained relatively steady at about 20,000
30,000 individuals until 2009-10 when an influx from saw the population reach
approximately 51 000 individuals (van der Ree unpublished data). This was the result
of storms in Northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland wiping out much
of the bats food source, forcing them further south to feed.
These protocols were originally developed in response to a heat stress event that
occurred on 31 December 2005. A succession of hot days (in excess of 38oC
followed by 43oC on New Years Eve) resulted in the colony at Yarra Bend Park
suffering severe heat stress. At least 110 animals died during that heat wave. Since
that time additional heat stress events have occurred, with the most severe on 7th
February 2009 when over 3490 Flying-foxes perished at Yarra Bend. Colonies in
Geelong and Bairnsdale also experienced significant mortalities.
Heat stress events have also occurred in colonies in NSW and Queensland. The NSW
Wildlife Information and Rescue Service have developed guidelines for the
management of what they refer to as mass disaster incidents.
Other significant severe adverse weather events (for example severe hail storms,
severe wind storms) may require these protocols to be adapted in the future.
Page 5 of 80
Note that this is a working document that is being amended and updated
as necessary, and can be altered to manage components other than heat
stress events.
Page 6 of 80
section 6.3 for further examples of heat stress behaviour). It is also possible to
measure heat stress with physiological signs (such as temperature, respiratory rate,
and organ function), however most of these factors are difficult to measure in the
field.
Planning
Operations
Logistics
This structure provides a basis for the management of a severe adverse weather
event. It can be altered depending on the nature of the event, and the resources
available.
This structure has been modified and used during heat stress events in a number of
years since 2006. Chart 2 outlines the AIIMS structure to be used when dealing with
heat stress events at Yarra Bend Park.
Further details on the specific responsibilities of AIIMS roles are described in Section
7.
Page 7 of 80
Logistics
Incident Controller
(DSE/DPI staff)
Veterinary
Melbourne Zoo/DPI
(Standby)
Planning Officer
Golf Course
Coordinator
Bellbird Coordinator
Carer Group
Carer Group
Carer group
Carer Group
Wildlife
Victoria
Leader
Friends of Bats;
Victorian Animal
Welfare
Association
Help for
Wildlife
Leader
Friends of Bats;
Victorian
Animal Welfare
Association
Wildlife
Victoria
Volunteers
Friends of Bats
Volunteers
Help for
Wildlife
Volunteers
Friends of Bats
Volunteers
Page 8 of 80
Boat Coordinator
Staff for
operating the
boat (as
required)
Parks
Victoria
Security
ARCUE
Monitoring,
data and postevent clean up.
Page 9 of 80
Page 10 of 80
Page 11 of 80
3 MONITORING
3.1 Weather conditions
During the period November to March, monitoring of the previous days
weather and the likely forecasted weather is required. The following
parameters should be monitored by DSE:
Maximum and minimum temperatures
Wind direction and speed
Level of cloud cover
Humidity
Previous weather patterns temperatures over the previous 3 days
Forecasted weather patterns predicted temperatures in the next 2 3
days. If possible, longer range forecasting will allow early preparation for
a possible event.
DSE will nominate an officer who will be responsible for monitoring weather
from November to March and identification of parameters that may result in a
high risk of a heat stress event (see Section 4). Temperature, humidity and
wind direction/speed data will be recorded daily. (This information can be
taken from FireWeb (the DSE Fire intranet service), and gives data for
present day plus three days ahead). Any conditions that rate on the risk
assessment table should be brought to the attention of the heat-stress
coordinator right away. Information gathered above should be used in
conjunction with the triggers listed in Section 4 to determine the intervention
response.
Within vegetation communities, individual microclimates exist, and as a result
temperatures and conditions can vary. Data loggers to monitor individual
sub-communities within Yarra Bend Park have been established to determine
which areas are more susceptible to unsuitable weather conditions, and which
areas the Flying-foxes prefer to move into during heat stress events. Results
of this monitoring are being collected and analysed by ARCUE.
Page 12 of 80
Page 13 of 80
between November and January (when the pups are less than 12 weeks old)
this needs to be taken into consideration.
Page 14 of 80
Page 15 of 80
Table 1: Factors indicating Low, High, Very High and Extreme heat stress events
Low Risk
Weather conditions
Temperature in excess of 38oC for
one day only
Time of year
The heat stress event occurs
prior to November
(commencement of birthing
season) or during mid
February April (when pups
are in excess of 12 weeks old).
Behaviour
Majority of bats still roosting high in trees along
river bank. Some bats moving lower in the
vegetation.
Response
Monitor the population to ensure there is
no evidence of heat stressed Flying-foxes
Notify PV and key carer groups that it has
been assessed as a low risk event
Time of year
The heat stress event occurs
during late October to end
December (shortly after
birthing season when pups are
most susceptible)
predominately when pups are
no longer suckling but are less
than 3 months old.
Behaviour
Large number of bats in understory along river, or
other areas with adequate shade. Most adults are
able to dip in the river for water, juveniles are not.
Bats exhibit cooling behaviour such as wing
flapping, licking and panting. Some clumping may
occur amongst young bats in the understorey.
Some bats may drop to the ground, but able to
climb back into the trees unassisted
Response
Implement protocols; Monitor population;
monitor forecasts for the day; have IMT
attend if juveniles show signs requiring
intervention
Time of year
The heat stress event occurs
between January and the end
of the summer (March/April).
Pups are less susceptible but
adult males may be more
susceptible.
Behaviour
Bats are filling most of the available understory near
the river and some are being forced to seek shade
elsewhere. Clumping is beginning to occur. Due to
exhaustion, adult bats are losing or have lost the
capacity to dip for water. Some bats may drop to
the ground, but able to climb back into the trees
Page 16 of 80
Response
Implement protocols; Monitor weather for 3
days > 38oC; have IMT on standby at site
for intervention if required Have IMT on
standby at the site for intervention if Flyingfoxes are showing signs that meet criteria
for intervention (including Flying-foxes on
unassisted
Time of year
Adults and juveniles capable
of flying
Behaviour
Large numbers of bats are beginning to seek out
cypress pines/pencil pines on Golf Course side.
Panting and licking will occur but flapping may
cease due to exhaustion. Bats dropping to the
ground struggle, or are unable to return to trees
unassisted.
Response
Have slip on contractor attend Golf Course
side earlier in the day to spray bats
assembling in pines.
Prepare for additional actions for extreme
events (section 3.5)
Time of year
Heat stress event occurs
during lead-up to mating
season (January-April) when
adult males are highly
territorial and thought to be
stressed due to high
testosterone levels
Heat stress event occurs
during or shortly after birthing
season when pups are most
susceptible (late October to
end December)
Behaviour
Bats are seeking out cypress pines/pencil pines on
Golf Course side these trees have proved to be
too dense and therefore problematic in extreme
heat
Extreme Risk
Weather conditions
Temperature in excess of 42C
Very low humidity
Northerly wind
(Note: Strong/gusty wind may
intensify dehydration)
No or low cloud cover
Previous days temperatures not
relevant
Page 17 of 80
The risk levels described help to determine the level of response from an Incident
Controller, and when it is appropriate for an IMT to be activated.
Note that not every parameter needs to be satisfied for a low, high or very high or
extreme risk event to be called.
Page 18 of 80
The 8 A-frame signs should be placed at usual points around the park (see
Map 4 in Appendix 7) to warn park patrons to minimise disturbance to
Flying-foxes. This should be done as early as possible on the day.
The picnic shelter at Bellbird should be reserved as early as possible on the
day Notify Parks Victoria staff that the reserved sign is being used on the
day. The reserved sign is stored in the Bellbird toilet block (note: this sign
is not part of DSEs equipment kit it belongs to Parks Victoria).
All gates need to be open to allow volunteers access in particular, the gate
which allows access from Yarra Bend Road to the northern end of the
Bellbird side (where disused car park is). IC should arrange for gates to be
opened.
After notifying contacts of meeting point (usually Bellbird Incident Control
Centre) the IC needs to ensure that he/she is there when the group
assembles to give the briefing and assign roles and responsibilities. If there
are set-up tasks to be done which requires the IC to be away from the
meeting point, those tasks should be delayed for the time being and
delegated to other staff by the IC.
Roles and responsibilities from this point onwards are detailed in Section 7.
Page 19 of 80
In 2009, two heat stress events took place consisting of more severe temperatures
and conditions than had ever been experienced by the Grey-headed Flying-fox
colony at Yarra Bend Park (see Section 1.2 for more background information). It is
now recognised that Flying-fox deaths increase sharply as temperatures exceed
42C. In adjusting the protocols, these temperatures now qualify an event as
Extreme Risk, and, as such, further measures (in addition to steps already taken for
general heat stress events) are to be taken.
Alert the spraying contractor (with large slip tank) of a potential extreme
risk heat stress event and place on standby
Request stand-by of full scale Extreme risk staffing levels (see Table 2,
section 7.4), to cover at least two shifts (recommended shift is six hours
max).
Have veterinary contacts on stand-by.
Arrangement of as many inoculated DSE staff as possible for both shifts
Plan where mobile spray units will be best situated to maximum effect (See
Map 2 of potential bat locations during heat events).
Alert DPI Attwood or other pre-planned facility of potential need for
processing/incineration of Flying-foxes
Alert ARCUE to make arrangements for collection and processing of dead
Flying-foxes.
Alert Parks Victoria staff
Plan to have air-conditioned triage caravan attend site
A-frame signage and Reserved sign for IC Centre displayed early (morning)
Begin monitoring early (10 11am)
Monitor at locations outline outlined in Map 3
IC to direct placement of slip tank operator and other volunteer sprayers in
light of Map 2 for most effective spraying response.
Page 20 of 80
Low Risk
Temperatures in excess of
38oC for one day only
Heat stress event occurring
prior to breeding or at least
12 weeks after breeding
Monitor population to
ensure no heat stressed
bats (via PV as
necessary). Notify PV
and key carer groups that
it has been assessed as a
low risk
Temp > 38 C
Low humidity with a northerly wind
Two proceedings days >38oC
Heat stress event occurring between
Jan to end of season
Temp > 35 C
Low humidity with a northerly
wind
Heat stress event occurring during
or shortly after the breeding season
(late Oct to end Dec)
IC to activate protocols
Contact Carer network to be
available from 2.00pm on the
day of the heat stress event
Conditions
improve
Conditions
worsen
Determine if any
bats were affected
by the event
Conditions
stay the
same
Conditions
worsen
Continued
management of the
event until
conditions improve
Page 21 of 80
Conditions
improve
Conditions
worsen
Extreme Risk
Temperatures > 42oC
Low humidity with a
northerly wind
IC to activate protocols
Contact Carer network to
be available ASAP on
the day of the heat stress
event
Include additional
actions for extreme heat
stress events
Conditions
improve
Determine if any
bats were affected
by the event
Conditions
stay the
same or
worsen
Continued
management of
the event until
conditions
improve
No bats
affected
Stand down
slip tank
contractor
Bats affected. IC to
liaise with carers for
appropriate action
No bats
affected
Bats affected. IC to
liaise with carers for
appropriate action
Stand down
Post heat stress
event follow up
actions
Stand down
Page 22 of 80
Mild dehydration (5% dehydrated). This is the point where dehydration first
becomes visible, with the following symptoms: Very thirsty, dull eyes, dry mucous
membranes, dry-warm skin, fatigue, irritable, urine begins to darken in colour, urine
output decreases, general weakness, skin loosing elasticity, limb cramping (Flying-fox
Information and Care Network (2005b).
Moderate dehydration (7% dehydrated). All of the above signs of mild dehydration
plus: skin doesnt bounce back quickly when pressed or pinched and then released (may
looked wrinkled), dry (greyish) wing membranes, very dry mouth, sunken eyes, poor
capillary refill, cool moist extremities (even on a hot day), limited and darkened urine
output, muscle cramps (twitching), stiff and/or painful joints, disorientation, severe
irritability, extreme thirst (more than normal), but may be unable to drink at this stage, or
vomiting if offered water (Flying-fox Information and Care Network (2005b).
Severe dehydration (7 12% dehydrated). All of the above signs of mild and
moderate dehydration plus: hypovolaemic shock, cyanosis (blue colouration to mucous
membranes and extremities), blotchy skin, very dry shrunken wing membranes,
confusion, lethargy, the whole animal is very cold to touch, rapid breathing, severely
sunken eyes, severe muscle contractions/cramping, convulsions, rapid but weak pulse,
low blood pressure (may become undetectable), severe disorientation, bouts of
unconsciousness, fever, no urine output, not interested or unusually completely unable to
drink fluids, difficult to arouse. As the conditions worsens, will lapse into a coma, then
death. (Flying-fox Information and Care Network (2005b). The animals will need
aggressive IV fluids, antibiotics and steroids. In the case of severe dehydration, the
animal may require euthanasing (McLaren pers.com. 2006).
12 15% dehydrated: The animal will be in severe shock, with death being the most
likely outcome even if treated. Above 15% dehydration is the point at which no amount of
treatment will assist and euthanasia should be considered.
Note: An affected animal will not necessarily present with all indicated symptoms.
Page 23 of 80
episode of heat illness, and will require more detailed assessment (Kate Bodley pers.
Comm. 2007).
Flying-foxes may benefit from re-hydration in-situ, if this can be done without scaring them or
other Flying-foxes roosting nearby. Such Flying-foxes were seen to lick vigorously when
sprayed with water and to become more alert subsequent to this treatment. However, not all
Flying-foxes in trees close to the ground will need treatment, and the risk of treating a single
bat is that others nearby will be scared into less cool locations.
Page 24 of 80
If large numbers of Flying-foxes are roosting within a few metres of the distressed Flying-fox,
do not risk disturbing them to treat the animal of interest.
Approach slowly and quietly to minimise disturbance to any animals roosting nearby.
Withdraw if human presence is causing disturbance to adjacent animals.
Do not spray the animal directly at first, but allow spray to fall on the animal. If it starts
licking, then direct spray is unlikely to alarm it. Continue spraying while the animal licks
vigorously. It is important that a fine mist spray is used so that the Flying-foxes are not
disturbed. Overhead mist spray via pumping units is the most optimal spray type, though for
extreme heat stress, larger and more complex spraying systems may be required to cope with
large numbers of bats in distress. Spraying water directly onto the wings of the Flying-foxes
or underneath onto the body may cause distress in the Flying-foxes. It may be possible to
spray water onto the Flying-foxes, however not if the animals are becoming distressed and
only if the water spray is a very fine mist large water droplets could damage the wing
membrane.
It is important that any spray intervention is monitored and if causing disturbance, is stopped.
Withdraw slowly and quietly after you have sprayed the animal sufficiently.
Many animals that come to the ground are capable of climbing up into adjacent trees and
shrubs. A grounded animal should be observed from a distance (i.e. from outside the
colony area) for a minimum of 5 10 minutes before intervention is attempted. Further,
if in a shaded area or with green grass, the ground may be cooler than in the trees, and
hence is a better place for the Flying-foxes to remain. However, many young Flying-foxes
on the ground become entangled in vegetation and are unable to free themselves.
Young Flying-foxes seen to be dropped by their mother in the open will need to be
carefully observed to ensure it is not in distress. It is preferable that young Flying-foxes
be treated in situ, however they may need to be taken into care for the duration of the
heat stress event if they are seen to be very distressed. The position of retrieval should
be noted according to tagging protocols (as discussed in section 5.4) to allow reunification
to occur.
If large numbers of Flying-foxes are roosting within a few metres of the grounded animal,
approach cautiously and watch to see whether the roosting Flying-foxes show signs of
being disturbed (starting to climb away). If so, do not retrieve the grounded animal. It is
more important to minimise disturbance and additional exposure to potential heat stress
in a number of Flying-foxes than to rescue one individual. The Flying-foxes have selected
the coolest and most shaded areas in the camp to roost, and if intervention scares them
away from such cool/shaded areas, they may roost in less preferred/hotter locations.
Approach slowly and quietly to minimise disturbance to any animals roosting nearby.
Withdraw if human presence is causing disturbance to adjacent animals.
During recent extreme heat stress events, very large numbers of bats were observed
clumping along the full length of the trunks of large cypress pines (golf course) and piling
up on the ground below. In these extreme events, disturbing a few bats in order to get
Page 25 of 80
close to the distressed majority may be appropriate, though further debate and research
on this is needed.
Any animals that are taken into care should have basic data collected - site, age, sex,
forearm length, weight, and demeanour for later analysis. These animals should be
marked according to datasheets provided. Animals should only be handled for data
collection after they have been treated and stabilised.
Animals re-hydrated are to have nail polish applied to the nails as per guidelines in
Section 5.4.
All data collected should be recorded on the data sheet at the time of treatment. (See
Appendix 1).
Monitoring
taking rectal temperatures and releasing based on normal body temperature and a
subjective hydration test (skin test approximately one second to return to normal when
skin on nape of neck is pinched). Note that rectal temperatures should only be carried
out by trained carers under optimal conditions.
Dead animals should only be collected by ARCUE staff. They will record information about
the collection locations on a map. Gloves and other relevant personal protective
equipment (hardhat, sunscreen, boots and long pants, etc) should always be
worn when on-site collecting dead flying-foxes.
DSE has four wheelie bins designated for collection of flying-foxes (and clearly labelled as
such) which are currently stored at the Parks Victoria depot off of Yarra Bend Road. The
golf course pro shop is usually willing to loan a buggy to collect dead bats on the golf
course.
If dead flying-foxes are to be processed at the park, they must be taken to the area
designated by Parks Victoria. Currently this area is a large, outdoor enclosure located
directly across Yarra Bend Road from the Parks Victoria office. There is a locked gate
leading to the enclosure which can be opened with the standard key for the park.
After collection/processing, flying-foxes must either be put into cold storage or taken
away immediately for incineration. Dead flying-foxes must never be left behind in wheelie
bins. There is a refrigerator inside the combination-locked shed in front of the Depot
which can hold up to 100 flying-foxes. DPI Attwood or ARCUE can be contacted for
collection of dead animals, otherwise an independent contractor (see contacts list, held by
IC) should be arranged to pick up and transport the wheelie bins to the relevant facility.
DPI Attwood prefer animals that have not been frozen, however will take frozen animals if
there is no alternative. DPI Attwood can test for the presence of lyssavirus.
A pet cremation facility may be available for backup incineration should DPI Attwood not
be available.
ARCUE and DSE will be responsible for data collection and organising disposal of
deceased Flying-foxes
Page 27 of 80
Within the Yarra Bend Park, a caravan will be set up at the Bellbird car park, and a triage area
set up on the Golf Course side. After initial on site treatment, if the animal is in need of more
intensive treatment, it should be transported to the caravan.
* Note that a researcher will be on site specifically to collect data about the amount of animals
sprayed, treated and released on the day. This data will ensure ongoing improvement in our
approach to heat stress management.
Data collection
Any animals that are handled should have basic data collected - site, age, sex, forearm
length, weight, and demeanour for later analysis. These animals should be marked
according to Section 4.4 and the datasheets provided. Collection of data such as forearm
length and perhaps weight should be delayed until the animal has been re-hydrated and
behaviour is closer to normal.
These data sheets will be provided and collected by DSE staff each day.
Transportation
Dependant young
Re-hydration treatment
Oral re-hydration with lectade or similar electrolyte is the preferred means of rehydration. Aim to give minimum 10-15% of bodyweight orally using a syringe over 12-24
hrs, otherwise ad-lib (as much as the animal will drink).
Follow-up by offering dilute fruit juice (1 part fruit juice and 3 parts water) at ambient
temperature (or at least not cold). Consider offering fruit such as watermelon/grapes. It
is important to note that undiluted apple juice is a potent osmotic diuretic and will
dehydrate animal further if given undiluted. A solution of at least 1 part apple juice to 3
parts water is required (Fowler pers. com. 2006).
Flying-foxes that accept oral re-hydration should be monitored for alertness and strength.
Intensive re-hydration of animals will include cooling, re-hydration and (in severe cases)
treatment for hypotensive shock. Individual veterinarians may have their own protocols
for fluid administration and volumes required (and the method and volume of
administration will vary depending on the condition of the animal). The Veterinarian
should administer Hartmanns (Lactated Ringers) solution intravenously (IV) or
intraperitoneally (IP) or subcutaneously (SC) as required. The method of administration
and the volume delivered will be dependent upon the degree of dehydration of the
animal.
If the Flying-fox is able to cling to a stick and climb competently along it, consider placing
it in a tree near where it was picked up. Again, only approach the tree if other Flyingfoxes are not going to be scared away by your presence.
If using submersion treatment, the wings of the animal should be lightly sprayed and the
animals placed in a cool environment and the animals response assessed. If there is no
improvement, supervised immersion could occur to severely affected animals. This must
be carried out by trained carers and care needs to be taken to ensure the animal does not
get hypothermia. Tepid water should be used in all cases. Immersions will be more
stressful for the animal, but may be necessary.
Note that a veterinarian is on standby and is available for any veterinary-based treatment.
Any Flying-foxes taken to a shelter for rehabilitation should be kept for the shortest time
possible, before being released again at the site of capture (this time to be determined
following further consultation).
Ensure that any animals which have been held for a number of days are released in
suitable conditions (i.e. not during high temperatures).
Page 29 of 80
Dependent young should be released as soon as possible after an event to increase its
chance of reuniting with its mother, provided it is sufficiently recovered (refer to Section
5.2.5).
If juveniles are held in care beyond a period where it is possible to reunite it with its
mother, it must be returned to the colony via the soft release process. See Appendix 5
for details.
Euthanased/deceased Flying-foxes
Animals that do not respond to re-hydration with electrolytes or more intensive rehydration or which have other life threatening injuries (as determined by a veterinarian)
should be humanely euthanased by a veterinarian or appropriately qualified carer*
Animals that may need to be euthanased include animals with broken bones, animals in
shock or unconscious or animals with prolonged hyperthermia to the point of organ
damage (this list is not complete, and any animal with suspected life threatening injuries
should be assessed by a veterinarian).
ARCUE staff (ONLY) will collect dead animals from the place of death the next morning.
The location will be marked on a map. Carcasses will be deposited in a central area.
Collection and disposal will be arranged by ARCUE or DSE.
Page 30 of 80
Stressed Flying-foxes may move low in vegetation to cooler/more shaded positions, or because
they are weak and cannot fly or climb readily after coming to the ground or landing near the
ground.
This usually occurs later in the day when the animals are exhausted, though during days over 42oC,
this can occur before noon.
Bat actions may include flapping wings whilst stationary, licking wings or panting. Do not approach
colony unless bats are exhibiting these behaviours
Actions
Spraying water
directly onto the
wings of the Flyingfoxes or
underneath onto
the body may
cause distress
A grounded animal should be observed from a distance (i.e. from outside the colony area) for a
minimum of 5 10 minutes before intervention is attempted. Further if the area is likely cooler than
in the trees
Young Flying-foxes seen to be dropped by their mother in the open will need to be carefully
observed to ensure it is not in distress. It is preferable that young Flying-foxes be treated in situ
Actions
Page 32 of 80
The Incident
Coordinator (IC)
should authorise the
first intervention of
an animal being taken
into care then
subsequent
authorisation can be
gained from the
Bellbird or Golf
Course side
The IC must authorise the first instance of an animal being taken into care. Subsequent approval
can come from the Bellbird/Golf Course coordinator
Actions
Undertake data
collection of deceased
animals. Deceased
animals should be
collected by ARCUE
Collect data
and remove
flagging
tape tag
Page 34 of 80
Page 35 of 80
Tag or location grid number of Flying-fox to enable it to be identified and released in the
correct location
Sex of the Flying-fox
Forearm length and weight of the Flying-fox
Description of the nail polish mark colour and number.
General condition of the Flying-fox prior to treatment
What treatment was undertaken
General condition of the Flying-fox post treatment
Outcome was the animal released (if so, what time and where) or was the animal retained
for further treatment?
Data sheets will be provided to the Golf Course and Bellbird Coordinator on the day for distribution to
the relevant carer who will record the information on each Flying-fox treated in their area. Data
sheets should be returned to the IC officer on the day of the event.
Data must also be collected on dead animals. The same data sheet should be used, also noting
where the dead animal was found, if it died in care, the suspected cause of death and how the body
will be disposed of. The relevant coordinator should be responsible for collecting, recording data and
organising removal on deceased Flying-foxes.
Appendix 1 provides an example of the data sheet to be used.
Page 36 of 80
6 EQUIPMENT
6.1 Equipment required for the Incident Control Centre (ICC)
The following Incident Control Centre Kit has been developed which contains the required planning
and organisational equipment to establish an ICC. This kit is stored in a trailer and will be brought to
any event.
The Kit is to contain:
Stationary
Lanterns and torches
- 6x bowls
Forms and log books
- 4x clipboards
Blue Tac
- Scissors
Texta pens
- Permanent Markers
Pens
- Highlighters
Nametags
- Bulldog clips
Packing Tape
- Double sided tapes
Map
- Flagging tape
- Business cards
Miscellaneous
20x plastic cups
- Detol Handwash
Large Megaphope
- Detol antiseptic
Serviettes
- Benedene antiseptic
8x whistles
- Gatorade
Garbage bags
- 2x blue nail polish
- 2x red nail polish
Other Equipment in Trailer
- 3x esky
- 4x plastic jerry can
- 3x flexi backpack sprayers
- 2x rigid backpack sprayers
- 10x Animal baskets
Protective Clothing
- 3x suede glove pairs
- 2x orange vests
- 4x oates clean short
- Pack of hat liners
glove pairs
- Sunscreen
- Red IC hard hat
- Aeroguard
- Yellow hard hat
- 2x wildlife officer
- 4 x tabards
vests
2x boxes Ansell
disposable gloves
To be brought from office
- White IC folder
- Keys
- DSLR camera with zoom lens
- 2x Binoculars
- Trunk and handheld radio
- Large first aid kit
Page 37 of 80
Watering
-
3x hoses
2x Hills spray packs
To be purchased on day
Ice
Juice
Fruit
Snacks, lunch
Portable cages
Drip feeders
Garbage bags
Insect repellent*
10 ml syringes
Alco wipes
Teats
Sharps disposal container
Hand towels
Equipment to treat wounds on bats
Sterile re-hydration fluid (includes 0.9% saline and
Hartmanns solution)
Apple juice
Lectade
Washing dish
First Aid kit
1ml syringes
Bottles of water
Thermometer
Dummies
Large towel
Hot water bottles
Whistles (for emergency contact only
be aware they may disturb the
Flying-foxes)
Individual rescue kits for carers should also be developed that can be carried by individuals
into the field for in-situ treatment of Flying-foxes. Suggested contents of this kit include:
Syringes
Water bottle (for Carer)
Hand Towel
Cotton blankets/pillow cases (for wetting and wrapping Flying-foxes/placing over container
for transport)
Carry cage to transport bat
Diluted apple juice for Flying-foxes (1 part apple juice to 3 parts water)
Stingoes cream*
Canvas or other carry bag
Fruit or energy bars (for Carer)
Equipment to treat wounds on Flying-foxes
Page 38 of 80
*Note that people who are handling Flying-foxes and using chemicals such as insect repellents
need to be extremely careful not to get any on the Flying-foxes.
Individual carer groups and volunteers have a wide range of equipment that can be brought to
a heat stress event. This includes pump units, hoses with appropriate fog nozzles, suction hose
with strained and float and pumping units.
Page 39 of 80
Planning Officer
Provides the IC with planning related details including:
Page 40 of 80
Operation Officer
Responsible to the IC for all field activities undertaken relating to the heat stress event
including:
Provide advice and recommendations on the response strategies within the park i.e. what
activity/level of intervention could occur depending on the heat stress level.
Ensure the safety of personnel.
First aid for carers and staff.
Contacting ambulances/further doctors advice for carers and staff as necessary.
Allocate teams to specific areas within the park to monitor Flying-fox behaviour.
Allocate boat crews/water transport vehicles for Flying-foxes.
Ensure adequate data is provided to the Logistics Officer for documentation.
Participate in briefing sessions.
Logistics Officer
The Logistics Officer is responsible to the IC for the provision of financial recording,
procurement and clerical services required in relation to the heat stress event. Responsibilities
include:
Arrange first aid kits.
Ensure wildlife caravan available as necessary.
Ensure hoses/spray equipment are on standby.
Arrange personal rescue kits for staff and volunteers.
Ensure staff and volunteers have appropriate OH&S gear (hats, sunscreen, appropriate
footwear, water bottles etc).
Ensure staff and volunteers have adequate water and food facilities.
Arrange a planned meal break roster (including deliveries of food).
Obtain names and addresses of property owners that may be impacted by the movement
of Flying-foxes due to the heat stress event.
Arrange shelter, rest and sanitary services for personnel.
Communications Officer
The Communications Officer is responsible to the IC for communication activities within the
heat stress event including:
Establishment of a list of attendees and ensuring all staff and volunteers are signed in and
out (attendance sheet is located in Appendix 3). The attendance sheet is critical to ensure
volunteers are covered by insurance and that in the event of an emergency individual
teams can be contacted for evacuation.
Take incoming calls and radio transmissions as required.
Maintain an incident log for all issues and decisions made.
Obtain regular weather reports.
Obtain situation report from field staff and relay to the IC.
Page 41 of 80
The above roles are key management roles in an AIIMS structure, however are not the only roles
required to manage a heat stress event. Appendix 2 identifies other roles required when managing
the impact of heat stress on Flying-foxes
7.3 Volunteers
The Department has limited resources to undertake rescue of heat stressed Grey-headed Flying-foxes
and needs assistance. Volunteers can help in the overall response to a heat stress event including
caring for distressed animals, rehabilitation of Flying-foxes, record keeping and other general
activities.
Where they are used, the management of volunteers must be in accordance within the established
procedures outlined for the Management of Volunteers.
The following arrangements are consistent with DSEs Insurance Policy for the use of volunteers:
Each volunteer must be registered prior to commencing any volunteer work with the
Department (as per the Attendance Sheets available on the day of an event).
Volunteers must be registered as individuals, not organisations, and the officer in charge must
sign the volunteer register.
The Roles (Appendix 2) specifying the roles of volunteers to be used by the Department
during a heat stress event should be completed.
Volunteers must be between the ages of 18 and 90 years inclusive.
Volunteers must be supervised by departmental personnel.
Volunteers must sign off when they leave the site
Only individuals affiliated with ARCUE, Wildlife Victoria, Help for Wildlife, Friends of the Bats or
Victorian Animal Welfare Association, or volunteers that are known to the Department and
experienced in Flying-fox handling/welfare, are permitted to assist during a heat stress event.
All volunteers and carers must have read this protocol and be familiar with the process and
requirements for managing a Flying-fox heat stress event prior to assisting at an event. In addition
volunteers must have read and adhere to the DSE Code of Conduct for Volunteers (Appendix 8).
Page 42 of 80
1 IC
1 IC
1 Golf Course
Coordinator
1 Bellbird Coordinator
1 Pump Coordinator
1 Logistics
1 Communication
1 Operations/Mapping
Volunteers
0
1 Leader Help for
Wildlife plus team of 6
carers
TOTAL
1 DSE
7 DSE
26 volunteers
1 Leader Wildlife
Victoria plus team of 6
carers
Friends of Bats - 4
carers
VAWA - 4 carers
Pump volunteers - 4
Very High
1 IC
1 Spraying
contractor
with slip
unit
Extreme
1 IC
1 Golf Course
Coordinator
1 Bellbird Coordinator
1 Pump Coordinator
1 Logistics
1 Communication
1 Operations/Mapping
1 Tanker Supervisor
7.5 Briefings
Page 43 of 80
1 Spraying
contractor
with slip
unit
ARCUE
1 DSE
1 Contractor
8 DSE
26 volunteers
1 contractor
An initial briefing will be held during November to provide an outline of the protocols to key agencies
and carer groups. During that briefing the protocol will be outlined, and individual staff will be
nominated to monitor weather patterns and bat behaviour from November to March.
Further briefings for staff and carers are given prior to any work relating to managing a heat stress
event (usually on the day of the event). An initial briefing is given to all staff and carers and includes
details on setup of the Command Centre, communication issues, care of Flying-foxes, OH&S issues,
evacuation procedures, equipment requirements etc. Additional briefings can occur for specialist
groups (such as a briefing for pump operators or a briefing for carers).
Staff and carers are allocated into teams based on previous experience, skills, availability,
contactability, and requirements under the AIIMS Incident Management Team structure (Section 1.4).
Each team will be given specific roles (Appendix 2) and geographical areas to patrol by the IC.
Page 44 of 80
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
9.1 Communication Plan
DSEs Media Unit has drafted a Communication Plan. The objectives and audience for the Plan
have been identified below. A full outline of the Communication Plan is held by DSE.
9.2 Objectives
The following objectives identify what the Communication Plan aims to do:
1. To educate park users about heat stress in Flying-foxes, the role of the IMT and what to
do if they encounter a stressed Flying-fox.
2. To be ready for issues by preparing for risks and managing issues communications
3. To inform volunteers and on-call staff of a heat stress incident and enlist their support.
4. To inform the general public of positive outcomes and educate them about Flying-foxes.
5. To inform all other relevant stakeholders of a heat stress incident prior to event and
outcome post event.
For each of the above objectives, communication tools (in terms of specific media to be used
signs, flyers, media releases, TV interviews etc) and the key messages to be delivered have
been developed.
9.3 Audience
The Audience for any communication message relating to the Grey-headed Flying-fox are:
Park users (including golfers)
DSE Flora & Fauna staff
Volunteers Wildlife Victoria
Friends of Bats
Help for Wildlife
Victorian Animal Welfare Association
Parks Victoria (Yarra Bend)
On-call veterinarian (DPI or Zoos Victoria)
Healesville Sanctuary
Yarra Bend Trust
Yarra Bend Golf Course Management
RSPCA
General public
Internal audience Ministers, DSE staff
Page 46 of 80
Sun-smart requirements wear appropriate clothing (including a long sleeved shirt and
closed-toed shoes suitable for the field), sunscreen and wide brimmed hats. A gazebo will
be set up on the Yarra Bend Golf Course side to provide shelter. Shade will also be
provided on the Golf Course side of the River.
Heat stress of staff and carers during extreme conditions it is very easy to become
dehydrated. Ensure plenty of water is consumed at regular intervals.
Coordinators/leaders need to ensure that staff are rested, have plenty of breaks, are taken
out of sunny areas periodically and do not work for lengthy periods. Provisions of food
and water will be regularly ferried to staff and volunteers on the golf course side.
Snakes while snakes may not be active during the hottest part of the day, they may be
more active at dusk, or when it cools down. Appropriate clothing (heavy boots, long pants
or gaiters) should be worn, and care taken when walking through long grass.
Falling branches the major tree species along the Yarra River is River Red Gum, which
in hot weather may be more prone to dropping branches. People need to be aware of this
when selecting shade trees to shelter under. Helmets should be worn when working
under trees. These will be provided by DSE.
Issues associated with use of the golf course as the Yarra Bend Park colony is
located adjacent to the Yarra Bend Golf Course, carers and staff on the Golf Course side
need to be aware of potential hazards golfers using the course, golf balls in flight etc.
Helmets may be necessary when moving across the golf course
Topography as the colony is located along the Yarra River, there are areas of steep
grades leading to the river. Staff and carers need to be aware of this and take care when
working near steep slopes.
Page 47 of 80
Water Safety people involved with use of watercraft on the Yarra River (for example
canoes or small punts travelling from one side of the river to the other) need to follow
appropriate water safety rules always wear a personal flotation device, ensure the boat
is not overcrowded, appropriate licences are held etc.
High risk to carers and staff possible wildfire events or significant changes in weather
patterns (for example severe winds) that may be a high risk to carers or staff. An
evacuation plan is described in section 8.2.
Termination of an event The Incident Controller will announce when an event is over
and the IMT is to be dismantled. All staff and volunteers will be directed to leave the site
once the end of an event has been announced. Anyone choosing to stay at the site after
the end of an event has been called does so at their own risk.
Page 48 of 80
11
This protocol is a working document and is refined each year. Review of the plan occurs on an
annual basis to update contact details, management structures and staffing. Reviews will continue to
occur after each event to assess:
what worked well,
what didnt work well
what could be improved.
During the course of the heat stress events of 2008/9, a series of management activities were
undertaken to trial various methods to keep the Flying-foxes cool. Some of the activities either
trialled or proposed for trialling and their outcome are noted in Table 4 below.
Table 4: Activities trialled and their outcome during 2008/9 heat stress events
Activity
Use of new Guarany brand backpack spray
units
Outcome
Positive feedback from volunteers about the
sprayers range, but still the issue that the
backpack spray units are quite heavy and difficult
to use in rugged terrain. Investigating spray
units that can be transported by car or wheeled
along instead.
Effective at reaching large numbers of bats during
extreme heat stress events. Noise levels need
improvement muffler for the motor is needed.
Planting is ongoing. Has provided shady, cool
habitat for the Flying-foxes.
Page 49 of 80
Page 50 of 80
13 REFERENCES
Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System, 2006. DSE website,
www.dse.vic.gov.au.
DSE (2005). Flying-fox Campsite Management Plan. Yarra Bend Park. DSE, Melbourne.
Flying-fox Information and Care Network (2005a). The Flying-fox Manual Health and
Treatment Hypothermia Heat Stress. Website 2006.
Flying-fox Information and Care Network (2005b). The Flying-fox Manual Health and
Treatment Dehydration. Website 2006.
Leslie S. Hall and Gregory Richards 2000. Flying-foxes: fruit and blossom bats of Australia.
University of New South Wales Press Ltd, Sydney.
Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner (2993) Emergency Management Manual
Victoria. Victorian Emergency Management Council.
R. van der Ree, .J. McDonnell, I. Temby, J. Nelson, and E Whittingham (2005) The
establishment and dynamics of a recently established urban camp of Flying-foxes (Pteropus
poliocephalus) outside their geographic range. Journal of Zoology 268 (2006) 177-185.
Vincent, M., Prendergast, R., Lynch, M. (2002) Guidelines for the management of captive
Grey-headed Flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus). Horseshoe Bend, Ivanhoe. Zoos Victoria.
Wires (Undated) Mass Disaster Incident Guidelines for Grey Headed Flying-fox. Coffs Harbour
Districts Branch.
Personal Communications
Baker, Rupert, Healesville Sanctuary
Bodley, Kate, Melbourne Zoo.
Brown, Bev, Wildlife Victoria.
Cash, Emma, Wildlife Victoria.
Davidson, Megan, Friends of Bats.
Eby, Peggy, Royal Zoological Society NSW and
editor of Managing the Grey-headed Fly-fox as a
threatened species in NSW.
Fernee, Sandy, Wildlife Victoria.
Fowler, Anne Dr. Veterinarian Torquay Animal
House Veterinary Clinic.
Garratt, Denise, Help for Wildlife.
Hughes, Stuart, Parks Victoria.
Jude, Libby, Parks Victoria.
Kitchen, Ian, Field Naturalists Club of Victoria.
Page 51 of 80
14 APPENDICES
Appendices are provided on the following pages
Page 52 of 80
Recorder/Carer Name:
Sex &
Age
Forearm
length
(cm)
Weight
(gm)
General
condition/
demeanour (pre
treatment)
Treatment
General condition/
demeanour
(post treatment)
Male
Juvenile
156mm
200gms
Skin doesnt
bounce back,
lethargic, rapid
breathing,
disorientation
Immersed,
Oral 8mls diluted apple juice,
Sub-cut 5mls,
Page 53 of 80
Outcome
(release time,
kept for
further
treatment)
Released
17:00hrs
Time of
intervention
Grid reference,
Tag number,
Microchip
number & nail
polish mark
Sex &
Age
Forearm
length
(cm)
Weight
(gm)
General
condition/
demeanour (pre
treatment)
Treatment
General condition/
demeanour
(post treatment)
Outcome
(release time,
kept for
further
treatment)
If an animal has died, refer to the Bellbird or Golf Course Coordinator who will collect the relevant data above and also note where it was found, if it died in care, the suspected
cause of death and how the body will be disposed of (IC will contact DPI Attwood in the first instance).
Page 54 of 80
APPENDIX 2:
Roles - Yarra Bend Park Grey-headed Flying-fox Heat Stress Event
IMPORTANT: ONLY PEOPLE THAT ARE FULLY VACCINATED (USING THE
MERIEUX INACTIVATED RABIES VACCINE) SHOULD HANDLE FLYINGFOXES.
People that regularly come in contact with Flying-foxes must have their
serum tested for rabies antibody every two years, and receive a booster
vaccine if their antibody count is inadequate.
If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound carefully with soap and
water for at least 5 minutes. Do not scrub the wound but do wash it
thoroughly. Following washing with soap, all bites should be cleaned with
antiseptic with antiviral action (e.g. povidone iodine or iodine tincture).
Contact your doctor who will contact the Department of Human Services to
arrange appropriate treatment that may include vaccination or booster
vaccination.
Organisation
Role Description
Incident
Controller
DSE
Golf Course
Coordinator
ARCUE or
DSE
Proposed
location
posted
IMT
Bellbird
picnic
shelter
Bellbird
Coordinator
DSE
Boat
Coordinator
DSE
Runner/Logis
tics
DSE
Page 56 of 80
Bellbird
Roaming
along
Yarra
River
Bellbird
Communications Officer
DSE
Mapping/
Photography
DSE
Tanker
supervisor
Vet
Zoos Victoria
Vet
(Standby)
Media Liaison
(Standby)
Parks
Victoria
DSE
both sides
Other tasks as directed by IC
Manage list of attendees
Take incoming calls when IC is occupied
Maintain Incident log for all issues and
decisions made
Obtain regular weather reports from the
Bureau of Meteorology or by phoning 1196.
Undertake mapping of bat distribution and
numbers, with descriptions of vegetation
Take photos of Flying-foxes, including
clumping, Flying-foxes being treated, Flyingfoxes being released etc.
Direct water tanker
Bellbird
Roaming
Roaming
DPI
Zoos Victoria
Roaming
NA
DSE Media
NA
Parks Victoria
Park Management
Visitor Management
Induct people going to golf course side
contact the pro shop to get them to notify
golfers of potential issues
Ferry volunteers/equipment from VINC to the
3rd tee area
advise volunteers of golf hazards
advise golfers of volunteers and heat issues in
the Flying-foxes
prevent cars from going near the 3rd tee
ensure any volunteers and staff have been
briefed by the IC
Roaming
Security
Security
Spray
volunteers
Various
Carer group:
Help For
Wildlife
Leader
Help for
Wildlife
Page 57 of 80
Golf
Course
Side to
be
allocated
on day
Bellbird
Roster staff
Treat flying-foxes in line with DSE treatment
protocols
Record details of each animal treated on
treatment log
Contact Bellbird coordinator if animal requires
removal for more intensive treatment
Help for
Wildlife
Volunteers
Help for
Wildlife
Carer group:
Wildlife
Victoria
Leader
Wildlife
Victoria
Wildlife
Victoria
Volunteers
Wildlife
Victoria
Carer Group:
Friends of
Bats
Leader
Friends of
Bats Victoria
(FNCV)
Friends of
Bats
Volunteers
Friends of
Bats Victoria
(FNCV)
Carer group:
Victorian
Advocates
for Animals
VAfA
Monitoring
and Post
Event clean
up
ARCUE
Page 58 of 80
Bellbird
Golf
Course
Golf
Course
Bellbird
Half
Bellbird
Half Golf
Course
(to be
determin
ed on
the day)
Bellbird
Roaming
Organisat
ion
affiliated
with
Time in
Time out
Contact
details for
today (mobile)
Contact details
home/emergency
Page 59 of 80
Trunk radio.
Include: fleet
number, unit
number,
Is the trunk
radio hand
held or in a
vehicle?
Inoculation
status
(Yes/No)
Briefed
(Y/N)
Location posted
(work in teams of
2 if possible). (Golf
Course or Bellbird)
APPENDIX 4:
Micro-chipping Trial Protocol
Yarra Bend Park Grey-headed Flying-fox Management Area
The marking of treated Flying-foxes during a heat stress event with nail polish is not
considered to be reliable for identification in the long term as nail polish can wear off
over time. Due to this, micro-chipping is being considered for trial for potential future
heat stress events.
The microchip is implanted under the loose skin of the neck on the midline between
the shoulder blades, using an applicator (specifically designed syringe) in a procedure
similar to administering a vaccination. Each microchip is individually inscribed and
programmed with a unique, permanent identification code. After implantation, the
device remains with the animal for life, where it provides the animal's unique ID
number anytime it is scanned by a compatible electronic ID scanner.
The advantages of micro-chipping is that it cant wear off or drop off, enabling the
animal to be identified anytime in the future, with a compatible scanner. This protocol
for trailing micro-chipping of treated Flying-foxes has been developed with the advice
of Zoos Victoria veterinarians.
The process that will be trialled is as follows:
The second operator should microchip the animal. The fur on the
dorsal midline between the shoulder blades should be parted and the
skin sterilised at the point that the microchip will be inserted with an
alcohol swab, reducing the chance of infection at the site of the
microchip implantation. The skin should be held and pulled away from
the body to allow access to the subcutaneous space and the microchip
implanted.
o After insertion the skin edges at the insertion site should be held
together and vet bond (a tissue-safe superglue) applied to the site.
o The microchip number must be recorded on the data sheet along with
the animals ID number.
Nail polish is still to be used as a visual tagging method for ease of
identification during a heat stress event.
o
Page 61 of 80
APPENDIX 5:
Soft Release Protocol
GREY-HEADED FLYING-FOX RELEASE GUIDELINES
Release Process:
The entire release weaning process is expected to take a total of 4 weeks.
The process includes the following stages:
Days 1-7 care within the confinement of the enclosure to ensure they are
acclimatised to the weather, feeding on their own and accustomed to the
presence of the colony,
Days 8-10 uninhibited access to both the enclosure and the wild colony as a
means of providing supplementary feeding.
Days 10-28 supplementary feeding outside of the enclosure only i.e. the
enclosure no longer in use.
Days 28-30 the release enclosure will be dismantled, removed from the site
and stored for future use after heat stress events if required.
On completion a meeting will be held with representatives from all groups to debrief
on the success and / or challenges of the release. This meeting will be facilitated by
the DSE.
General Servicing:
Flying-foxes should be serviced once daily and preferably late in the day to ensure
food stays fresh.
Wildlife Victoria volunteers will service the site.
Disturbance should be kept to a minimum and servicing should be carried out as
quickly as possible. There should be no interaction between flying-foxes and
volunteers.
All volunteers must check in and out daily with Parks Victoria, Yarra Bend.
Monday to Thursday: volunteers must check in prior to each visit at the Parks
Victoria office and collect the site access key. Upon completion of servicing
the flying-foxes, volunteers must check out and return the key to the Parks
Victoria office.
Friday: volunteers must check in prior to each visit at the Parks Victoria office
and collect the site access key. Upon completion of servicing the flying-foxes,
volunteers must check out at the Parks Victoria office and then deliver the site
access key to Sandy Fernee (Wildlife Victoria flyingfox volunteer coordinator).
Saturday: volunteers collect the site access key from Sandy Fernee.
Volunteers must telephone the Parks Victoria Yarra Bend Ranger (phone:
9488-3999, the call will be diverted to the rangers mobile telephone) prior to
entering the site and again when servicing is completed. The site access key
must be returned to Sandy Fernee.
Page 62 of 80
Sunday: volunteers collect the site access key from Sandy Fernee. Volunteers
must telephone the Parks Victoria Yarra Bend Ranger (phone: 9488-3999, the
call will be diverted to the rangers mobile telephone) prior to entering the site
and again when servicing is completed. The service access key must be
returned to the Parks Victoria office and slid underneath the door (the first
glass door to the left of the main entrance door of the Parks Victoria office).
The number of volunteers servicing the site at any one time should not exceed two
persons.
The DSE advises that volunteers must vacate the site one and a half (1) hours prior
to sunset to avoid disturbance of the wild colony.
Buckets, cleaning equipment, rubbish bin and the first-aid kit are to be stored in the
Parks Victoria store room (behind RMIT house). Food can be stored in the fridge in
this store room. Water facilities are available for cleaning.
The enclosure should be cleaned daily of faeces and leftover food scraps.
All waste should be removed from the enclosure site and disposed of at the
Parks Victoria store room in the bins provided.
Dirty food buckets should be transported from the enclosure to the store room
for cleaning. Once cleaned, the food buckets should be left in the store room
for the next days volunteers to collect.
Vehicle access to the golf course is permitted to facilitate transport of food,
the first-aid kit, cleaning equipment etc to the site as long as the following
guidelines are adhered to:
The number plate and model/make of the vehicle is registered with Parks
Victoria Yarra Bend prior to access,
An induction to the site and track is carried out by either Parks Victoria staff or
Sandy Fernee prior to access,
Volunteers must ensure that the hazard lights of the vehicle are on when
driving on the track through the golf course.
During wet weather vehicles stay on the track,
Note: a map will be provided with track details.
Prior to entering the fairway volunteers must check it is safe to enter by
visually observing the teeing ground and fairway to ensure that golfers are not
in the process of teeing off or striking a ball. Volunteers must be continually
aware in case of stray golf balls.
A wheel barrow will be left at the end of the golf course track to facilitate
transport of materials to the enclosure.
Diet:
Fresh water should be available while the animals are being supplementary fed.
Fresh water should be transported to the enclosure and then used to replace flyingfox drinking water daily. A water bottle will be stored at the Parks Vic store room for
this purpose.
Recommended diets for Grey-headed Flying-foxes consist of soft, ripe fruit (e.g.
apple, banana, pawpaw, pear, melon, peaches, plums, fresh figs, mangoes and
pears) and chopped vegetables in small quantities (e.g. sweet potato, carrot, lettuce).
Page 63 of 80
In addition, the flowers of melaleucas, banksias, eucalypts and other blossoms may
be provided. Most fruits and vegetables should be chopped into small 1-2 cm2 pieces
so that flying-foxes do not drop them onto the floor of the enclosure whilst feeding, a
common problem when using large pieces of fruit. Homogenized fruits are not
suitable, as these may impair the absorption of nutrients, or cause bowel prolapses
due to the larger quantities of fibrous material consumed.
As part of the release weaning process less favourable food items should be fed. This
is to assist with encouraging the flying-foxes to seek out natural food.
For this reason 2/3 of the diet should consist of apples and the remaining 1/3 should
consist of a minimum of two other fruit species.
Days 0-7
350 grams of food should be offered per flying-fox
Days 7-14
280 grams of food should offered per flying-fox
Days 14-21
220 grams of food should be offered per flying-fox
Sample Daily Diet for days 0-7
Apple
And any two of the following:
Banana
Pear
Paw Paw
Figs
250g
50g
50g
50g
50g
All volunteers attending the site should have a site induction by Parks Victoria or
Sandy Fernee.
All volunteers caring for the flying-foxes must be fully vaccinated (using the Merieux
Inactivated Rabies Vaccine) and familiar with the potential contraction of diseases
flying-foxes (see information below).
A first-aid kit is stored in the Parks Victoria Store room and should be brought down
to the enclosure each day while the flying-foxes are being serviced.
Personal protective equipment should be worn during handling and servicing of the
flying-fox enclosures. This includes:
protective gloves (e.g. dishwashing or surgical gloves)
closed-toe footwear (e.g. Boots)
long-sleeved shirts and long-pants
eye protection (such as safety glasses)
masks (e.g. surgical or dust mask)
Note: disposable surgical gloves, safety glasses and surgical masks will be provided
and stored in the Parks Victoria store room.
Hands should be thoroughly washed after coming into contact with any flyingfox contaminants and after completion of servicing with chlorhexidine hand
wash. Clorhexidine hand wash will be stored in the Parks Victoria store room.
If a bite or scratch occurs that breaks the skin, or if flying-fox saliva contacts
the skin, the area is to be immediately washed with soap and water for at
least 5 minutes. Following washing, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic with
antiviral action (e.g. povidone iodine or iodine tincture). People should then
contact their local doctor who will contact the Department of Human Services
to arrange appropriate treatment. Any bites and / or scratches should be
reported to the DSE immediately.
Page 65 of 80
estimates an overall prevalence of ABL in bat populations in the order of 1%. The
prevalence of virus in sick and injured animals is around 7% and as it is this group
that is most likely to come into contact with humans, all care should be taken.
It is thought that ABL is transferred via the saliva and so biting is the most common
means of transmission (Tidemann et al, 1997). It is possible, though less likely for the
disease to be transferred by exposure of open cuts or mucous membranes to saliva or
blood. Scratches also constitute a possible transmission route if infected saliva is
present (Kureishi, et al, 1992. in Tidemann et al, 1997). Contact with urine or faeces
do not constitute a transmission risk for this disease. Flying-foxes should not be
vaccinated against rabies, as antibodies that may be induced by the vaccine would
interfere with disease detection in the population. Additionally, the degree of
protection the vaccine would confer on the flying-foxes is essentially unknown, so a
scenario where the vaccine allows the animals survival while it continues to shed
virus is not out of the question.
b) Hendra Virus
Hendra virus, formally known as Equine morbillivirus, is an agent that has been
associated with acute respiratory disease in humans and horses with at least 2 human
fatalities (Hume, 2001). Flying-foxes are thought to carry the virus without suffering
clinical disease. The virus can be spread in urine and saliva, and in horses it has been
shown that infection can occur through ingestion or inhalation (Williamson, 1998).
About 19% of over 100 flying foxes from the Botanical Gardens were found to have
antibodies to this disease (D. Middleton, pers.comm.).
There is no vaccination for Hendra virus and how contagious the virus is to humans is
unknown.
c) Menangle Virus
This virus was isolated from a NSW piggery where stock were suffering from
reproductive disease. It was found that two workers displaying influenza-like
symptoms had antibodies to the virus. Little is known about the epidemiology of this
disease, but around 30% of flying-foxes had antibodies to the virus (Ross, 2001).
Bacterial Diseases
Page 66 of 80
Page 67 of 80
APPENDIX 6:
Record of annotations to the Protocols for management of Greyheaded Flying-foxes at Yarra Bend Park during Heat stress events.
The following annotations to the protocol were made based on experiences from heat
stress events during past seasons and feedback received during Grey-headed Flyingfox Heat Stress Debriefs.
Comment / Topic
Revised risk levels based on
extreme temperatures
experienced during heat stress
events of the 2009 summer
season.
Risk to adult male bats during
lead up to mating season (mid
Jan to March)
Extreme heat stress events
will require additional actions
Response
Ensuring the risk levels are
revised based on increased
impact of extreme conditions
Alteration to protocols
Added to Section 4.1 and
updated Chart 3
Include in Protocols
Will be added to
equipment list when
purchased
Noted in Section 5.2
Include in Protocols
Page 68 of 80
Clarified as separate
section within 5.2
Added in Section 5.2
Section 6.1 & 6.2
New section 3.4 Contact
network and
communication
responsibilities
Section 7.4
Section 7.6
Section 8.2
Update references
Add mention of soft release to
bats in care section and soft
release process to appendix
Amend map to show extra key
locations
Page 69 of 80
APPENIDIX 7
Monitor/s:
Monitoring of the Grey-headed Flying-fox colony is initiated when temperatures progress toward 35C or 38C, depending on the time of year, and particularly
with consecutive preceding hot days, low humidity and hot dry northerly winds.
DSE Officers will monitor the colony in shifts, as designated by the Incident Controller. Each shift should be approx 1-2hrs, or as long as required to
adequately observe the condition of the Flying-foxes. Shifts should continue into the afternoon, until temperatures begin to drop or the threat is considered to
be decreasing (e.g. sundown). It is advisable that each monitor visit the site on more than one occasion over the duration of the day in order to gain
comparable observations.
When monitoring the Flying-fox colony, the monitors should first visit the Bellbird side of the river and assess the four primary monitoring points as described
in Table 5 and Map 3. Conditions at these sites should be reported to the IC, at which point he/she will provide advice on monitoring of the secondary sites.
Key behaviours that the Flying-foxes normally exhibit in response to heat stress include:
Flapping of wings while stationary/roosting
Holding wings out while stationary
Moving lower in the vegetation (would normally roost high up in the trees)
Seeking reprieve in cypress Copse A
Moving to vegetation patches that provide more shade, e.g. Black wattle
Dipping into the water for drinking or to cool the belly (particularly adults)
Panting
More extreme behaviours include (note: these behaviours should be reported to the IC IMMEDIATELY)
Climbing or dropping to the ground to find cooler areas (particularly younger animals)
Clumping in cypress pines in large numbers
Clumping (grouping of Flying-foxes to form clumps from 10s to 100s of Flying-foxes in individual clumps)
Observations should be recorded on the attached sheet AND reported back to the Incident Controller via phone
OTHER POINTS:
Safety of monitors is paramount. Read and follow the risk control methods in the GHFF Monitoring JSA (see Monitoring Kit, IC folder or the heat stress
coordinator) before entering the field.
Page 70 of 80
Sandwich boards used to inform the public that the bats are experiencing heat stress are stored in the toilet block cupboard at the Bellbird Picnic Ground.
These should be placed out, according to positions shown on Map 4, on the advice of the IC or if extreme heat behaviours are observed.
Visitors at the park politely approach visitors, inform them that the flying-foxes are suffering from heat stress and ask them if they could keep quiet and
avoid areas of the bats where possible.
To gain updates in temperature, call DSE Fire & Emergency Response (9296 4545) for the most updated temperature reading for Viewbank (if not
possible, then for Melbourne), or the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) (9669 4000) or use the thermometer stored in the Heat Stress Kit
Time of
Location Temp
monitoring
C
(24hr)
(BOM)
Temp
Humidity
(BOM)
C
(Local
reading)
e.g. 1100
Wind
Direction /
speed
(BOM)
Number of
wildlife
carers on
site
Wattle
Copse
35.2
37
16
N
30km/h
5 observing
colony
Copse A
37
39
12
NW
60km/h gusts
None
e.g. 1300
Jetty
39.8
40
12
N
50km/h gusts
e.g. 1400
Copse A
44
45
10
N
60km/h gusts
e.g. 1215
Estimated
Risk
Level
Low
4 on standby
with water
sprayers
High
6 on standby
with water
sprayers
Extreme
Page 71 of 80
Low
Time of
Location Temp
monitoring
C
(24hr)
(BOM)
Temp
Humidity
(BOM)
C
(Local
reading)
Wind
Direction /
speed
(BOM)
Number of
wildlife
carers on
site
Page 72 of 80
Estimated
Risk
Level
Description
20m up track from the
Bellbird Picnic Ground
Jetty.
Do not monitor from
the jetty as this may
cause distress to
nearby animals.
Observation
Platform
Wattle Copse
Wetlands
Behaviours to consider
Looking toward the river
- Are bats flapping, panting or licking wings?
- Are bats still high in the canopy of the wattles to the right (north) of the jetty and across the river?
Or have most moved to lower positions?
- Are bats clumping?
- Looking south and directly across from the jetty, are bats dipping into the river?
- If bats are low in the canopy, do they climb away on approach (i.e. are they still alert)?
- Are any bats on the ground seeking cooler conditions?
Looking toward the river
- Are bats distributed across all strata?
- Are bats clumping in wattles directly across the river from the platform?
- Are bats on the ground below the observation platform or on the other side of the river?
- Looking in front and upstream, what numbers of bats are dipping into the water?
Looking toward the river
- Are bats flapping, panting or licking wings?
- Are bats still high in the canopy of these wattles, or have most moved to lower positions?
- If bats are low in the canopy, do they climb away on approach (i.e. are they still alert)?
- Are bats on the ground beneath the wattles?
- Are bats clumping in the trees or on the ground?
- If so, are they densely packed, or is there air flow around each animal?
Looking toward the road
- Are bats roosting in the trees on the road side of the track?
- If so, in what numbers and where in the canopy (upper, mid, lower or against the trunk)?
Looking toward the river
- Are bats flapping, panting or licking wings?
- Are bats still high in the canopy, or have most moved to lower positions?
- If bats are low in the canopy, do they climb away on approach (i.e. are they still alert)?
- Are bats on the ground?
- Are bats clumping in the trees or on the ground?
- If so, are they densely packed, or is there air flow around each animal?
Page 73 of 80
Vantage point
Copse A
Copse B
Copse C
Page 74 of 80
Page 75 of 80
Page 76 of 80
Appendix 8
a Volunteer Coordinator to assist with enquiries and provide any instruction necessary for your participation in projects and activities;
as far as practicable a safe and healthy working place and conditions
rewarding work.
notify the Volunteer Coordinator of any relevant medical conditions and pre-existing injuries before participating in any event or activity;
consent to the Volunteer Coordinator rendering or authorising such medical treatment as necessary and accept responsibility for all associated
expenses;
not smoke, consume or store alcohol or illicit drugs while working on a project site;
respect the rights, feelings and property of all others associated with projects;
co-operate with safety systems put in place by the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure a safe, happy and hygienic team environment;
understand that placement on all projects is at the discretion of the Volunteer Coordinator;
consent to photographs or videos taken on a project to be used by the Committee or the department for promotion purposes, or state your decision
not to participate in photos or video production;
take reasonable care of your own health and safety and the health and safety of others who may be affected by your actions;
provide for yourself all required medication and personal care items;
participate in an induction and safety briefing prior to commencing work activities;
follow any reasonable directions that the Volunteer Coordinator or other authorised persons gives in relation to health and safety and the safe
performance of tasks;
wear appropriate clothing and footwear to undertake activities;
inform the Volunteer Coordinator and sign on when arriving and prior to leaving the activity or site;
Page 77 of 80
be SunSmart, apply sun protection, and wear a hat and long sleeves and long pants;
wear protective clothing and relevant safety equipment when required;
not undertake activities unless under the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator and are appropriately accredited and certified;
not interfere with any safety equipment or processes provided;
report any incidents or hazards including injuries or near misses to the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as practical;
carry out tasks to the best of your ability
not undertake tasks beyond your ability
not speak on behalf of the department
say no to an activity or task you feel uncomfortable about.
Page 78 of 80