FLYING fox colonies on the Tableland are under siege from paralysis ticks.  

Up to 300 flying fox adults are dying weekly.

The Tolga Bat Hospital is working around the clock to save the up to 30 babies found each day at Lakeside, near Yungaburra, and at Tolga on their dead or dying mothers.

The hospital’s Jenny Maclean said 200 babies were now being cared for.

With the peak tick season now in full swing, she fears there will be more deaths than in previous years.

"Last year, the season started on November 3, but by that date this year, we already had more than 100 babies, so if it follows last season’s pattern it is going to be a big tick year," she said.

In 2007, Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors flew north to help the hospital and more than 50 flying foxes were sent to carers in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.

But this season the hospital is going to try to rescue all animals in-house rather than send bats to other facilities.

Ms Maclean said that many local people had already signed up to volunteer.

This is in addition to the international volunteers and other carers from around Australia, who are due to arrive soon to help with the
crisis.

"We are going to concentrate on getting more volunteers rather than sending (the flying foxes) away," she said.

Jasmine Croft, from the RSPCA, has returned to Tolga after last year giving up more than a month to help save the region’s native wildlife.

"I know how it all works and I really care about the bats," she said.

"It is so rewarding seeing them grow up and rescuing them from the forest."

The hospital has an excellent success rate with baby bats. Up to 99 per cent of them are rehabilitated.

If anyone finds an injured bat or is willing to volunteer time or make a donation to the case, please contact Tolga Bat Hospital on 4091 2683.

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