Protocols GHFF V1.7 Feb 11

8/17/2019 Protocols GHFF V1.7 Feb 11

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Managing Grey-headedFlying-foxes

Protocols for heat stress events at Yarra Bend Park


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Managing Grey-headed Flying FoxesProtocols for heat stress events at Yarra Bend Park

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


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10 OCCUPATIONAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ...............................................47 10.1 Risks and Risk Control........................................................................................................47 10.2 OHS Incident Reporting .....................................................................................................48

11 REVIEW AND TRIALLING MANAGEMENT OPTIONS .........................................................49 12 CASE STUDY EVENT ..............................................................................................................50 13 REFERENCES ..........................................................................................................................51 14 APPENDICES...........................................................................................................................52


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

These protocols are specifically related to managing heat stress events.However the AIIMS process and structure as set out in these guidelinescould be modified to manage other severe adverse events not specificallyrelated to heat stress.

The protocols will continue to be updated and amended as needed.

In 2003, Melbourne’s Grey-headed Flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus ) wererelocated from the Royal Botanic Gardens which resulted in the formation of 2 newcampsites – the main colony at Yarra Bend Park in Melbourne’s east and a smallercolony at Eastern Park in Geelong. Relocation was considered necessary asincreasing numbers of Flying-foxes were impacting on the culturally and historicallysignificant garden.

The Flying-foxes are listed as threatened under both the Victorian Flora and FaunaGuarantee Act 1988 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999. They are also protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.

Since December 2005 a series of prolonged high and extreme temperature dayshave resulted in the colony at Yarra Bend Park suffering from severe heat stresswhere large numbers of Grey-headed Flying-foxes died.

DSE has a role in managing and monitoring the colony at the new campsite. AManagement Plan for the Yarra Bend Park Campsite has been prepared andimplemented to ensure the roosting opportunities and habitat quality continues toimprove.

These protocols (which use the Australasian Inter-service Incident ManagementSystem (AIIMS) structure) have been developed to provide guidance when dealingwith a heat stress event in Flying-foxes.

Heat stress events are natural and Flying-foxes have evolved to deal withtemperatures in excess of 40oC for short periods. However they are not equipped todeal with prolonged temperatures in excess of 40oC, especially when the heat isaccompanied by low humidity and hot drying winds


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• Recommend minimal intervention techniques for treatment• Identify treatment options for heat stressed animals; and• Outline the occupational health and safety requirements when dealing with

Flying-foxes during heat stress events.

List of Important Charts, Maps and Tables (for quick reference)

Type Title Page

Chart 1 AIIMS structure 7

Chart 2 AIIMS Incident Management TeamStructure

8

Chart 3 Decision flow chart – Grey-headed Flying-fox heat stress event

21

Chart 4 Grey-headed Flying-foxes in trees 21

Chart 5 Flying-foxes on the ground 32Chart 6 Grey-headed Flying-foxes taken into care 33

Map 1 Yarra Bend Park – Key locations 9

Map 2 Grid Map of Yarra Bend Park 10

Map 3 GHFF monitoring sites and access routes 75

Map 4 Location of sandwich board signs duringheat stress events

76

Table 1 Factors indicating level of risk 16

Table 2 Minimum Staffing Levels 43

Table 3 Key Contact Information 44

Table 4 Activities trialled and their outcome duringpast heat stress events

49

Table 5 Site specific monitoring guidelines 73


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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

In 2003, Melbourne’s Grey-headed Flying-foxes (subsequently referred to as ‘Flying-

foxes’) were relocated from the Royal Botanic Gardens resulting in the formation oftwo new campsites - the main colony is located at Yarra Bend Park, 5 km north eastof Melbourne CBD and the other, smaller, colony is at Eastern Park in Geelong (DSE,2005). Relocation was considered necessary as increasing numbers were impactingon the culturally and historically significant gardens.

Yarra Bend Park (260 ha) is located on the Yarra River in Fairfield of which, 26 hawas 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 FaunaGuarantee Act 1988 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999. In Victoria, the Flying-foxes are also protected under theWildlife 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 residingin Melbourne has increased significantly (DSE 2005). The growth of the colony from1994 onwards was exponential, with a peak in March 2003 at between 20 000 (staticcount) and 30 000 (fly-out count) individuals (van der Ree et al 2005). The size ofthe 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 reachapproximately 51 000 individuals (van der Ree unpublished data). This was the resultof storms in Northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland wiping out much

of the bat’s food source, forcing them further south to feed.

These protocols were originally developed in response to a heat stress event thatoccurred on 31 December 2005. A succession of hot days (in excess of 38oCfollowed by 43oC on New Years Eve) resulted in the colony at Yarra Bend Parksuffering severe heat stress. At least 110 animals died during that heat wave. Since


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Note that this is a working document that is being amended and updatedas necessary, and can be altered to manage components other than heatstress events.

1.2 Objectives/scope of Protocol

This protocol;• Identifies what may be considered a heat stress event;• Identifies monitoring requirements to predict possible heat wave conditions thatmay impact on the Flying-foxes;• Identifies when human intervention is required and what form it should take;• Identifies roles and responsibilities of people involved in responding to a heatstress event and• Recommends minimal intervention techniques for treatment• Identifies treatment options for heat stressed animals;• Outlines the occupational health and safety requirements for dealing with Flying-foxes.

An initial briefing will be held prior to the beginning of each summer to provide anoutline of the protocols to key agencies and carer groups. During that briefingthe protocol will be outlined, and individual staff will be nominated tomonitor weather patterns and bat behaviour from November to March.

1.3 Physiology of Flying-foxes

Flying-foxes are known as homeotherms; that is they continuously regulate theirbody temperature at a constant high temperature. The resting active bodytemperature of Flying-foxes is around 36oC (Hall and Richards 2000). Their bodytemperature ranges from 35oC – 39oC and can vary according to environmentaltemperature (J. Nelson pers. comm. 2006).

The wings of Flying-foxes contain many blood vessels. When hot, Flying-foxesincrease the flow of blood through the wing blood vessels to promote heat loss.When they need to cool their wings, and thus reduce the temperature of the blood,Flying-foxes fan their wings or let them droop to allow heat to dissipate (Hall andRichards 2000) Wing fanning (and panting) in response to heat commences when


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section 6.3 for further examples of heat stress behaviour). It is also possible tomeasure heat stress with physiological signs (such as temperature, respiratory rate,and organ function), however most of these factors are difficult to measure in thefield.

1.4 AIIMS procedures

AIIMS (Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System) is used by a rangeof agencies around Australia to manage emergency incidents, large and small.During emergency activities this system provides for the coordination and integrationof events.

In many types of incidents more than one organisation will be involved. Duringthese times the use of the AIIMS system promotes effective joint operations throughthe use of common terminology and structures.

The chart below illustrates how the AIIMS structure operates. When this system isput into practice, an Incident Management Team (IMT) is formed.

Chart 1: AIIMS structure

Incident Controller (IC)Responsible for overall incidentmanagement

Planning

Responsible for thecollation of incident

resource information and

prediction of developments

Operations

Responsible for themanagement and

supervision of response

team as delegated

Logistics

Responsible for theprovisions of facilities,

services, material and

finances


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CHART 2: AIIMS Incident Management Team Structure

Incident Controller(DSE/DPI staff)

Logistics

Planning Officer

Communications Officer

Veterinary

Melbourne Zoo/DPI(Standby)

Golf Course

Coordinator

Bellbird Coordinator Boat Coordinator

Carer GroupWildlife

Victoria

Leader

Carer GroupFriends of Bats;

Victorian Animal

Welfare

Association

Carer groupHelp for

Wildlife

Leader

Carer GroupFriends of Bats;

Victorian

Animal Welfare

Association

Staff for

operating the

boat (as

required)

Parks

Victoria

Wildlife

Victoria

Volunteers

Friends of Bats

Volunteers Help for

Wildlife

Volunteers

Friends of Bats

Volunteers

Security ARCUE

Monitoring,

data and post-

event clean up.


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2 HEAT STRESS EVENTS

2.1 What defines a heat stress event?

A heat stress event can be defined as a hot weather event lasting one day ormore, that is extremely stressful and harmful to animals.

When temperatures exceed 35oC before the end of December or 38oC overconsecutive days from the beginning of January, the Flying-fox colony maybegin to experience heat stress and dehydration

For the Flying-fox colony, a heat stress event can cause the death ofindividuals or significant numbers of individuals within the colony.

2.2 Other incidents requiring human intervention

Other events that may require human intervention to protect the Flying-foxcolony could include:• Roost collapse – this can include mass loss of roosting trees over a short

period of time. This may be due to old age, high winds, fire or humanintervention.

• Hail storms – hail storm events may impact on colonies, depending on

the severity of the storm and the damage to roosting trees• Fire – fire events may directly impact on those individuals that cannot fly

or escape the fire, as well as the impact of the loss of habitat androosting sites.

• Abortion events – an abortion event is when Flying-foxes begin to aborttheir babies in large numbers over a short period. It is theorised this canbe due to a shortage of food prior to birthing, some form of major

disturbance in the colony or disease such as leptospirosis (WIRESundated).

These protocols are specifically related to managing heat stressevents. However the AIIMS process and structure as set out inthese guidelines could be modified to manage other severe adverse


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3 MONITORING

3.1 Weather conditions

During the period November to March, monitoring of the previous day’sweather and the likely forecasted weather is required. The followingparameters 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 fora possible event.

DSE will nominate an officer who will be responsible for monitoring weatherfrom November to March and identification of parameters that may result in ahigh risk of a heat stress event (see Section 4). Temperature, humidity andwind direction/speed data will be recorded daily. (This information can betaken from FireWeb (the DSE Fire intranet service), and gives data forpresent day plus three days ahead). Any conditions that rate on the risk

assessment table should be brought to the attention of the heat-stresscoordinator right away. Information gathered above should be used inconjunction with the triggers listed in Section 4 to determine the interventionresponse.

Within vegetation communities, individual microclimates exist, and as a resulttemperatures and conditions can vary. Data loggers to monitor individualsub-communities within Yarra Bend Park have been established to determine

which areas are more susceptible to unsuitable weather conditions, and whichareas the Flying-foxes prefer to move into during heat stress events. Resultsof this monitoring are being collected and analysed by ARCUE.

3.2 On site assessment


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Where practicable, monitoring should be preformed in pairs with at least oneOfficer having a Level 2 First Aid certificate. If monitoring is to be preformedalone, on a weekday, other staff in the office must be informed of yourexpected departure and return times. On weekends Staff should check in onwith the Yarra Bend Parks Victoria office either by phone (9488 3999) or inperson on arrival and departure. Alternatively arrangements can be made tocheck in with another member of staff (e.g. the rostered IC).

Heath and safety procedures should be followed as per the GHFF MonitoringJSA. A copy can be found in the white Incident Controller Folder, and shouldbe read before entering the field.

3.3 Flying-fox behaviour

Monitoring of Flying-foxes can be separated into two stages; monitoring ofthe colony leading up to a heat stress event; and monitoring after the eventto assess the impact (monitoring by DSE or their representative). DSE hasprepared a standard data collection sheet to be used for monitoring in leadup to heat event (see Appendix 7). Data should be recorded according to thesite specific instructions located in Appendix 7. Data will include temperature,wind direction, humidity, number of bats in copse, number or % of bats incertain key areas, number of bats that have fallen to ground, distance along

river where bats distributed, clumping etc

Prior to a heat stress eventFlying-foxes exhibit certain behaviours when it is hot as they try to reducetheir body temperatures. Key behaviours that have been observed include;• Flapping of wings while stationary/roosting• Holding wings out while stationary• Moving lower in the vegetation

• Moving to vegetation patches that provide more shade• Dipping into the water for drinking or to cool the belly• Panting• Clumping (grouping of Flying-foxes to form clumps – from 10’s to 100’s

of Flying-foxes in individual clumps)• Dropping to the ground to find cooler areas


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between November and January (when the pups are less than 12 weeks old)this needs to be taken into consideration.

Following a heat stress eventMonitoring of the colony after a heat stress event is critical to assess theimpact of the event on the colony, the recovery of the colony and to identifyany individuals that may still be suffering from dehydration. The extent and

duration of monitoring after a heat stress event will be dependant on theseverity of the event, including; the extent (in terms of numbers and severity)of animals affected; the mortality rate; and the speed and level of humanintervention used. Typically, periodic monitoring during the days followingthe event would be sufficient to identify any problems. DSE (or theirrepresentative) will undertake post event monitoring.

Monitoring may include:• Visually assess the colony to see if any individuals are showing signs ofstress.

• Walking though the park (concentrating on areas where the Flying-foxesroosted during the heat stress event) to search for individuals on theground (ensure this activity does not disturb the roosting colony).

ARCUE staff will collect dead individuals to allow data collection.


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4 INTERVENTION TRIGGERS/DECISION MAKINGPROCESS

4.1 Triggers and the required level of human intervention

The following triggers have been developed to enable an Incident ManagementTeam to be established when high risk of a heat stress event occurs. The triggers

have been developed by taking into account a range of factors including;• Monitoring of long term weather forecasts• Identifying high risk weather days (include assessing the time of day,

estimated minimum and maximum temperature, wind direction and strength,temperature over preceding days, time of the heat stress event within thebreeding season, humidity)

• Age/number of juveniles in the colony at the time of a heat stress event,particularly if the event occurs when the pups are no longer suckling but areless than 3 months old and do not have the behavioural or physiological toolsto tolerate high risk days.

• Time of year in regards to the months leading up to breeding season, whenadult males are territorial and thought to be stressed due to hightestosterone levels.

• Assessing potential available habitat to enable the Flying-foxes to stay cool.

The impact of high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity on juveniles ismuch greater in the early part of the breeding season (late October to endDecember) when pups are no longer suckling but are less than 3 months old.

The extreme heat stress events of 2009 have shown that adult males suffer at veryhigh temperatures (over 42°C) in the months leading up to mating season, whenbats are considered to be highly territorial (mid January to late March).

High temperatures will have a far greater impact during these times. As such,additional risk levels have been included which take into account those times wherevery young pups or adult males may be at greater risk.

Risk is categorised into four levels; low, high, very high and extreme. They aredescribed in Table 1.


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Low humidity with a northerlywind.Two preceding days in excess of38oC with hot dry windsNo cloud coverForecast temperatures for thenext few days in high 30’s/low40’s.

unassisted the ground, juveniles unable to tolerateconditions).

Very high risk

Weather conditions Time of year Behaviour ResponseTemperature in excess of 38oCbut less than 42 oC; temperaturepredicted to exceed 42 oC;Low humidity; northerly wind.Previous days temperature >38°C

Adults and juveniles capableof flying

Large numbers of bats are beginning to seek outcypress pines/pencil pines on Golf Course side.Panting and licking will occur but flapping maycease due to exhaustion. Bats dropping to theground struggle, or are unable to return to treesunassisted.

Have slip on contractor attend Golf Courseside earlier in the day to spray batsassembling in pines.Prepare for additional actions for extremeevents (section 3.5)

Extreme Risk

Weather conditions Time of year Behaviour Incident Controller (IC) Response

Temperature in excess of 42°C Very low humidityNortherly wind(Note: Strong/gusty wind may

intensify dehydration)No or low cloud cover Previous days’ temperatures notrelevant

Heat stress event occursduring lead-up to matingseason (January-April) whenadult males are highly

territorial and thought to bestressed due to hightestosterone levelsHeat stress event occursduring or shortly after birthingseason when pups are mostsusceptible (late October toend December)

Bats are seeking out cypress pines/pencil pines onGolf Course side – these trees have proved to betoo dense and therefore problematic in extremeheat

Monitor from early in day (i.e. 10am)Implement IMT and response at first signsof distressInclude additional actions for extreme

events (section 3.5)


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The risk levels described help to determine the level of response from an IncidentController, 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 orextreme risk event to be called.

4.2 Decision making process in managing a heat stress event

When a prospective heat stress event is forecast, the nominated DSE Officer isresponsible for monitoring weather conditions and bat behaviour to determine thepotential level of risk of a heat stress event is likely. DSE will nominate an officer tomonitor weather for each day during the risk period.

If a low risk is determined to be present, the IC will continue to monitor weatherpatterns and conditions, as well as bat behaviour to assess if intervention is required.

Should conditions stay the same, or improve and there is no longer an impact onFlying-foxes, the IC calls the “all clear”.

If a high risk factor is determined, the protocols are activated and the IC shouldimplement the IMT and notify carer groups of a possible heat stress event. Furthermonitoring of the weather conditions and bat behaviour is required to monitor theeffect of the heat on the Flying-foxes.

If an extreme risk level is determined, the protocols are activated and the IC shouldimplement the IMT, notify carer groups and other stakeholders of a heat stress eventand enact additional actions for extreme heat stress events (see Section 4.5).

Should conditions improve, the IC has the authority to downgrade the risk level, andassess the impact of the heat stress event on the Flying-foxes.

If conditions worsen continued management of the event occurs until conditions

improve and the risk level decreases.

Chart 3 provides a guide for decision making once a predicted heat stress event isforecast.

4 3 Contact network and communication responsibilities


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Notification if a heat stress event is calledThe IC will be the person responsible for making the judgement as to whether theconditions warrant implementation of a heat stress event response, therefore the ICis the person responsible for enacting the chain of communication.

The chain of communication is as follows: The IC, or delegate, will contact the key contacts (see Section 7.6) from

ARCUE, Wildlife Victoria, Help for Wildlife, Friends of Bats and Victorian Advocates for Animals and advise of the numbers needed according toseverity of the heat stress event.

These key contacts will then be responsible for notifying their respectivenetworks and calling on the appropriate number of volunteers as per theadvice of the IC.

The IC, or delegate, will contact all rostered staff. This includes a person whowill drive the trailer of equipment to the park, a person who will drive the

boat to the park and a person who will collect supplies such as food andwater If the heat stress event risk is expected to be ’very high’ or ‘extreme’, the

contracted sprayer with the slip tank will also be notified and additionalprocedures noted in section 4.5 will be enacted

4.4 Setting up on the day of a heat stress event

After the IC has called a heat stress event and enacted the chain of communication,there are a number of necessary actions to set up for the event:

The 8 A-frame signs should be placed at usual points around the park (seeMap 4 in Appendix 7) to warn park patrons to minimise disturbance toFlying-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 theday. The ‘reserved’ sign is stored in the Bellbird toilet block (note: this signis not part of DSE’s equipment kit – it belongs to Parks Victoria).

All gates need to be open to allow volunteers access – in particular, the gatewhich allows access from Yarra Bend Road to the northern end of theBellbird side (where disused car park is) IC should arrange for gates to be


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In 2009, two heat stress events took place consisting of more severe temperaturesand conditions than had ever been experienced by the Grey-headed Flying-foxcolony at Yarra Bend Park (see Section 1.2 for more background information). It isnow recognised that Flying-fox deaths increase sharply as temperatures exceed42°C. In adjusting the protocols, these temperatures now qualify an event as ‘Extreme Risk’, and, as such, further measures (in addition to steps already taken forgeneral heat stress events) are to be taken.

4.5.1 Prior to the Extreme heat event 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

4.5.2 Preventative response In the morning/early afternoon of an Extreme day the slip tank operator

should attend the Golf Course copses (see Map 2). Spraying should occur as bats begin to congregate in the cypress/ pencil

pines This preventative action should cool bats enough so that they return to

roosting by the river This will prevent, or at least lessen the severity, of clumping (causing mass

death) in the cypress trees


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Chart 3: Decision flow chart – Grey-headed Flying-fox heat stress event

Note that in the

instance of altered weather or

wildfire that may risk the safety

of carers and staff, the IC can

evacuate the area at any time

Conditions

stay the

same or

worsen

Extreme RiskTemperatures > 42oC

Low humidity with a

northerly wind

IC to activate protocols

Contact Carer network to

be available ASAP on

the day of the heat stressevent

Include additional

actions for extreme heat

stress events

Conditions

improve

Continued

management of

the event until

conditionsim rove

Determine if anybats were affected

by the event

Predicted heatstress event (see

section 3)

IC appointed officer is to monitor

temperature, forecast temp,

humidity, bat behaviour etc.

High risk late seasonTemp > 38oC

Low humidity with a northerly wind

Two proceedings days >38oC

Heat stress event occurring between

Jan to end of season

Low RiskTemperatures 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 thatit has been assessed as a

low risk

Conditions

worsen

High risk early seasonTemp > 35oC

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

Determine if anybats were affected

by the event

Continued

management of the

event until

conditions improve

Conditions

worsen

Conditionsstay the

same

Very High RiskTemperature >38 oC but


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Stand down

No bats

affectedBats affected. IC to

liaise with carers for

appropriate action

Post heat stress

event follow up

actions

Bats affected. IC to

liaise with carers for

appropriate action

Stand down

No bats

affected

Post heat stress

event follow up

actions

Stand down

slip tank

contractor


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5 GUIDELINES FOR TREATING GREY-HEADED FLYING-FOXES

5.1 Clinical Signs of Dehydration & Heat Illness

Signs of DehydrationDehydration can be divided into 3 categories according to severity. Each category is moredangerous and urgent than the one preceding it:

• Mild dehydration (5% dehydrated). This is the point where dehydration firstbecomes visible, with the following symptoms: Very thirsty, dull eyes, dry mucousmembranes, dry-warm skin, fatigue, irritable, urine begins to darken in colour, urineoutput decreases, general weakness, skin loosing elasticity, limb cramping (Flying-foxInformation and Care Network (2005b).

• Moderate dehydration (7% dehydrated). All of the above signs of mild dehydration

plus: skin doesn’t bounce back quickly when pressed or pinched and then released (maylooked wrinkled), dry (greyish) wing membranes, very dry mouth, sunken eyes, poorcapillary refill, cool moist extremities (even on a hot day), limited and darkened urineoutput, muscle cramps (twitching), stiff and/or painful joints, disorientation, severeirritability, extreme thirst (more than normal), but may be unable to drink at this stage, orvomiting if offered water (Flying-fox Information and Care Network (2005b).

• Severe dehydration (7 – 12% dehydrated). All of the above signs of mild andmoderate dehydration plus: hypovolaemic shock, cyanosis (blue colouration to mucousmembranes and extremities), blotchy skin, very dry shrunken wing membranes,confusion, lethargy, the whole animal is very cold to touch, rapid breathing, severelysunken eyes, severe muscle contractions/cramping, convulsions, rapid but weak pulse,low blood pressure (may become undetectable), severe disorientation, bouts ofunconsciousness, fever, no urine output, not interested or unusually completely unable todrink 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 needaggressive IV fluids, antibiotics and steroids. In the case of severe dehydration, theanimal may require euthanasing (McLaren pers.com. 2006).

• 12 – 15% dehydrated: The animal will be in severe shock, with death being the mostlikely outcome even if treated. Above 15% dehydration is the point at which no amount of


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• 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 startslicking, then direct spray is unlikely to alarm it. Continue spraying while the animal licksvigorously. It is important that a fine mist spray is used so that the Flying-foxes are notdisturbed. Overhead mist spray via pumping units is the most optimal spray type, though forextreme heat stress, larger and more complex spraying systems may be required to cope withlarge numbers of bats in distress. Spraying water directly onto the wings of the Flying-foxesor underneath onto the body may cause distress in the Flying-foxes. It may be possible tospray water onto the Flying-foxes, however not if the animals are becoming distressed andonly if the water spray is a very fine mist – large water droplets could damage the wingmembrane.

• 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.

5.2.2 Flying-foxes on the ground

Approaching the colony/individual Flying-foxes• 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 thecolony 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, andhence is a better place for the Flying-foxes to remain. However, many young Flying-foxeson 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-foxesbe treated in situ , however they may need to be taken into care for the duration of theheat stress event if they are seen to be very distressed. The position of retrieval shouldbe noted according to tagging protocols (as discussed in section 5.4) to allow reunificationto occur


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close to the distressed majority may be appropriate, though further debate and researchon this is needed.

Treatment of Flying-foxes via sprays• Ensure that any water used to spray animals is tepid and not cold.• If a live individual is found on the ground, spray with water, then disentangle from ground

vegetation and coax/lift onto a stick. Only people that are fully vaccinated (usingthe Merieux Inactivated Rabies Vaccine) should handle Flying-foxes. Peoplethat regularly come in contact with Flying-foxes must have their serum testedfor rabies antibody every two years, and receive a booster vaccine if theirantibody count is inadequate.

• If the animal clings well to a stick and climbs along it, then spray further to cool animaland to encourage licking. Place animal via stick onto a suitable tree or onto a frameerected for the purpose. If the animal is listless or too weak to hang onto a stick, gatherit in a damp, breathable cloth or pillowcase and transport to on-site care for assessmentand re-hydration if appropriate (see Section 4.2.3 on handling and transport of Flying-foxes).

• The IC should authorise the first intervention of an animal being taken into care thensubsequent authorisation can be gained from the Bellbird or Golf Course side Coordinator.Note the sector that the animal has been retrieved from, and mark the container used totransport the animal.

• If you cannot induce the bat to take electrolytes orally, it should be transferred to thecaravan for more intensive care, after clearance is given by the Golf Course or Bellbird

Coordinator. During extreme heat, large clumped masses of Flying-foxes in cypress pine trees (golf

course) or along the riverbank may require spraying with larger spraying systems(motorised/battery powered tanks). Assess wind direction and position spray tank so thatdirection of spraying is in the same direction as the wind, towards the animals (this willminimise water landing on the person spraying). Any motorised pumps should be kept themaximum possible distance from the Flying-foxes to keep noise to a minimum, and amuffler should be used if possible to reduce noise. Do not directly spray the animals. The

water stream should be aimed upwind of the Flying-foxes so that a mist is blown towardsthem. Trial this action for a few seconds to gauge reaction. If a few bats disperse but themajority remain, continue with spraying. If many bats disperse, cease spraying andretreat slowly and calmly, try again at a later time.

Data collection requirements


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taking rectal temperatures and releasing based on normal body temperature and asubjective hydration test (skin test – approximately one second to return to normal whenskin on nape of neck is pinched). Note that rectal temperatures should only be carriedout by trained carers under optimal conditions.

Deceased Flying-foxes – ARCUE and DSE staff ONLY• 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 beworn when on-site collecting dead flying-foxes.

• DSE has four wheelie bins designated for collection of flying-foxes (and clearly labelled assuch) which are currently stored at the Parks Victoria depot off of Yarra Bend Road. Thegolf course pro shop is usually willing to loan a buggy to collect dead bats on the golfcourse.

• If dead flying-foxes are to be processed at the park, they must be taken to the areadesignated by Parks Victoria. Currently this area is a large, outdoor enclosure locateddirectly across Yarra Bend Road from the Parks Victoria office. There is a locked gateleading 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 takenaway immediately for incineration. Dead flying-foxes must never be left behind in wheeliebins. There is a refrigerator inside the combination-locked shed in front of the Depotwhich can hold up to 100 flying-foxes. DPI Attwood or ARCUE can be contacted forcollection 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 ifthere 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 notbe available.

• ARCUE and DSE will be responsible for data collection and organising disposal ofdeceased Flying-foxes

5.2.3 Management of Flying-foxes approved to be brought to carers

It is important that once an animal has been identified as needing care, it obtains that carequickly and efficiently. It is also important that the IC monitors and manages the number ofFlying-foxes taken into care. The IC must authorise the first intervention of an animal beingtaken into care then subsequent authorisation can be gained from the Bellbird or Golf Course


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Within the Yarra Bend Park, a caravan will be set up at the Bellbird car park, and a triage areaset up on the Golf Course side. After initial on site treatment, if the animal is in need of moreintensive treatment, it should be transported to the caravan.

* Note that a researcher will be on site specifically to collect data about the amount of animalssprayed, treated and released on the day. This data will ensure ongoing improvement in ourapproach 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 markedaccording to Section 4.4 and the datasheets provided. Collection of data such as forearmlength and perhaps weight should be delayed until the animal has been re-hydrated andbehaviour is closer to normal.

• These data sheets will be provided and collected by DSE staff each day.

Transportation • It is important to minimise restraint of hyperthermic animals to avoid increasing their

stress (i.e. don’t wrap too tightly, don’t use heavy cloth).• Transportation of animals to the carers and the caravan should be undertaken with

minimum stress on the animal. The animals should be wrapped in a wet pillowslip orcloth (breathable cotton material and wet with tepid/cool water, not cold) and placed in aventilated container for transport. Alternatively, a wet cloth can be placed over the

ventilated container rather than wrapping the animal in it.• Animals should not be packed together for transport as this may cause additional heatstress.

• All animals transported to the carers and the caravan must be accompanied byinformation describing the sector the animal was collected from, any treatment alreadyadministered.

Dependant young• Dependant young should be considered separately to adults.

• Experience by carers in NSW & VIC suggests that there is a high level of recognition ofyoung by their mothers after separation, even over some distance and up to 72 hoursfrom separation.

• Dependant young should be released as soon as possible after an event and only if theyoung has recovered sufficiently after the heat stress event and is showing normal bat


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Re-hydration treatment• Oral re-hydration with lectade or similar electrolyte is the preferred means of re-

hydration. Aim to give minimum 10-15% of bodyweight orally using a syringe over 12-24hrs, 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 ambienttemperature (or at least not cold). Consider offering fruit such as watermelon/grapes. Itis important to note that undiluted apple juice is a potent osmotic diuretic and willdehydrate 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 protocolsfor fluid administration and volumes required (and the method and volume ofadministration will vary depending on the condition of the animal). The Veterinarianshould administer Hartmanns (Lactated Ringers) solution intravenously (IV) orintraperitoneally (IP) or subcutaneously (SC) as required. The method of administrationand the volume delivered will be dependent upon the degree of dehydration of theanimal.

• If the Flying-fox is able to cling to a stick and climb competently along it, consider placingit in a tree near where it was picked up. Again, only approach the tree if other Flying-foxes are not going to be scared away by your presence.

• If using submersion treatment, the wings of the animal should be lightly sprayed and theanimals placed in a cool environment and the animal’s response assessed. If there is no

improvement, supervised immersion could occur to severely affected animals. This mustbe carried out by trained carers and care needs to be taken to ensure the animal does notget hypothermia. Tepid water should be used in all cases. Immersions will be morestressful for the animal, but may be necessary.

• Note that a veterinarian is on standby and is available for any veterinary-based treatment.

Acclimatisation for release on the day• It is important to note that Flying-foxes may be affected if taken from an outside

temperature in excess of 38

o

C to a highly air-conditioned area. The ideal temperature tocool Flying-foxes is 28oC (Fowler pers.com. 2006). Temperatures lower than this maycause peripheral vasoconstriction (constriction of the blood vessels that does not allowheat to be carried away from the body), which will not allow for the core bodytemperature to be cooled.

• Ensure that when taking animals into care as well as when releasing a re-hydrated Flying-


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• Dependent young should be released as soon as possible after an event to increase itschance of reuniting with its mother, provided it is sufficiently recovered (refer to Section5.2.5).

• If juveniles are held in care beyond a period where it is possible to reunite it with itsmother, it must be returned to the colony via the soft release process. See Appendix 5for details.

Euthanased/deceased Flying-foxes• Animals that do not respond to re-hydration with electrolytes or more intensive re-

hydration 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 inshock or unconscious or animals with prolonged hyperthermia to the point of organdamage (this list is not complete, and any animal with suspected life threatening injuriesshould 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.

“Guidelines for the management of Grey-headed Flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephallus)” havebeen developed for Horseshoe Bend in Ivanhoe. These guidelines provide excellent detail oncaptive husbandry, behaviour and social organisation of Flying-foxes, reproduction and heathissues which will be applicable to the Yarra Bend colony. Each carer group should have acopy of the above guidelines for reference.

5.2.4 Guidelines for initial treatment response - Summary flowcharts

The following flowcharts summarise the steps needed when treating Grey-headed Flying-foxesunder the various scenarios (Section 5.2.1 - Grey-headed Flying-foxes in trees; Section 5.2.2 -Grey-headed Flying-foxes on the ground and Section 5.2.3 - Grey-headed Flying-foxesapproved to be brought to carers). Full details of treatment responses can be found in the

above sections.

Overarching principles that apply to all treatment options:• Be aware of any exclusion zones; IC approval will be needed to enter these areas.• Only people that are fully vaccinated using the Merieux Inactivated Rabies vaccine should

handle Flying-foxes


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Chart 4: Grey-headed Flying-foxes in trees

• / , .

• , 42, .

• , .

. . .

,

.

, ,


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Chart 5: Grey-headed Flying-foxes on the ground

• (.. ) 5 10 .

• .

,, , ,

/ , ,

. .

, .

,

, ,

()


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Managing Grey headed Flying Foxes


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5.4 Tagging/marking protocols

A protocol has been developed to enable Flying-foxes taken into care to be marked prior torelease. The purpose of this is to:• Identify where individuals have been taken from;• Identify if an individual has been taken into care previously;• Identify the location Flying-foxes were retrieved from (so that they can be returned to the

area they were taken from);• Identify if any of the dead animals retrieved were treated previously and released.

It is important to reiterate that Flying-foxes should be treated in-situ wherever possible,however if taken into care the following tagging procedure is adhered to.

The tagging process involves two steps:1. Nail polish

•

All Flying-foxes taken into care will have a distinctive colour nail polish on one toenail.The colour will vary depending on whether they have been retrieved from the GolfCourse side (Red) or the Bellbird side (Blue) of the park. The purpose of the toenailpolish is to help identify if Flying-foxes have been treated previously.

2. Identify location Flying-foxes were retrieved from• Use the Grid Map (Map 2) to describe coordinates• The animal itself (on cage or blankets preferably) will be tagged with marking tape. If

the animal is to be marked, tape with self-adhesive ends should be attached to theleg of the animal so that the adhesion does not stick to the animal.• The grid coordinates should be written on the tape. This will enable each individual

Flying-fox taken into care to be distinguished from the others and returned to the siteit was retrieved from. The tape must be removed prior to the animal beingreturned to the wild.

• Information on location retrieved, and data for research purposes (see section 5.5)should be gathered prior to release of the Flying-fox.

• It is important that any Flying-foxes requiring intensive treatment (i.e. an animal that

doesn’t respond orally) be taken to a wildlife carer caravan for re-hydration (afterapproval is given by the relevant DSE Coordinator).

The marking of treated Flying-foxes with nail polish is not considered reliable for identificationin the long term as nail polish can wear off over time Due to this micro-chipping is being

Managing Grey-headed Flying Foxes


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• Tag or location grid number of Flying-fox to enable it to be identified and released in thecorrect 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 retainedfor further treatment?

Data sheets will be provided to the Golf Course and Bellbird Coordinator on the day for distribution tothe relevant carer who will record the information on each Flying-fox treated in their area. Datasheets 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 bodywill be disposed of. The relevant coordinator should be responsible for collecting, recording data andorganising removal on deceased Flying-foxes.

Appendix 1 provides an example of the data sheet to be used.



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Managing Grey headed Flying FoxesProtocols for heat stress events at Yarra Bend Park

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 planningand organisational equipment to establish an ICC. This kit is stored in a trailer and will be brought toany event.

The Kit is to contain:

Stationary Electrical and Tools- Lanterns and torches- Forms and log books- Blue Tac- Texta pens- Pens

- Nametags- Packing Tape- Map

- 6x bowls- 4x clipboards- Scissors- Permanent Markers- Highlighters

- Bulldog clips- Double sided tapes- Flagging tape- Business cards

- 4x 10m extensioncords

- Batteries (AA, AAA, C,D)

- Rope

- Multi grip- Chrome adjustable

spanner- Thermometer- 2x Tap Keys

- 1 Calliper- Hanging scales- Barricade tape- Chain- Small Megaphone

- Red rope- Pinch pliers- Power board

Miscellaneous Watering- 20x plastic cups - Large Megaphope - Serviettes - 8x whistles - Garbage bags

- Detol Handwash- Detol antiseptic- Benedene antiseptic- Gatorade- 2x blue nail polish- 2x red nail polish

- 3x hoses- 2x ‘Hills’ spray packs

Other Equipment in Trailer To be purchased on day- 3x esky- 4x plastic jerry can- 3x flexi backpack sprayers

- 2x rigid backpack sprayers- 10x Animal baskets

- Ice- Juice- Fruit

- Snacks, lunch

Protective Clothing Wildlife Emergency Safety Equipment

- 3x suede glove pairs - 2x orange vests - 25x hard hats - Latex gloves



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g g y y gProtocols for heat stress events at Yarra Bend Park

6.2 Replenishing Consumables

The ICC kit contains a number of consumable products with expiry dates of a year or two. Insome years there may be very few or no heat stress events and these consumables will not beneeded. To prevent the waste of throwing out these products when they expire, each year theconsumables should be removed from the kit and placed into general use by field staff. Such

items should subsequently be replaced with new stock. Consumables that will need replacinginclude sunscreen, power-aid powder, certain first aid supplies and any bottled water.

6.3 Equipment for Carers

Kits for carers and volunteers (to treat Flying-foxes) should also be developed and held by therelevant carer organisations. The kit should be kept at the triage centres on both the Golf

Course and Bellbird side. Suggested contents of a recovery kit for Flying-foxes are listedbelow.

Recovery kit for Flying-foxes

Portable cages Apple juice

Drip feeders Lectade

Garbage bags Washing dish Insect repellent* First Aid kit

10 ml syringes 1ml syringes

Alco wipes Bottles of water

Teats Thermometer

Sharps disposal container Dummies

Hand towels Large towel

Equipment to treat wounds on bats Hot water bottles

Sterile re-hydration fluid (includes 0.9% saline andHartmanns solution)

Whistles (for emergency contact only – be aware they may disturb theFlying-foxes)



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g g y y gProtocols for heat stress events at Yarra Bend Park

• Soap/iodine to treat any scratches• Binoculars (to allow observation without approaching the colony too closely)• Bandages (in case of snake bite)

*Note that people who are handling Flying-foxes and using chemicals such as insect repellentsneed 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 hosewith strained and float and pumping units.



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7 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

7.1 Responsibilities of the Incident Management Team (IMT)

Key staff within an IMT and their roles are identified below.

Incident Controller (IC)The Incident Controller is the person appointed by the responsible authority (DSE) to directthe overall response operation and to coordinate activities of the various organisationsinvolved in the incident. The IC has overall decision-making responsibility and is supported byappropriate operational, scientific and administrative personnel. The duties of the IC are:• Decide on the necessity of intervention and to appoint an Incident Management Team

(IMT) and set up an Incident Control Centre to manage the impacts of a heat stressevent.

• Assess the severity of the heat stress event once on site.• Monitor weather patterns and forecasts (in conjunction with the responsible officer).• Monitor bat behaviour.• Determine the level of response and the scale of the response team required.• Notify appropriate organisations and authorities and keep them informed of

developments.• Organise copies of data sheets, maps, procedures, contact details and briefing

information to be available for staff and carers.

• Initiate and direct response measures to manage the heat stress event.• DSE / Biodiversity Group will arrange for a survey (on the day) of the colony to determine

location and spread of the colony.• Give the initial briefing to staff and carers.• Ensure field staff provide situation reports.• Maintain coordination of the activity of supporting organisations (Carer groups, Parks

Victoria).• Coordinate carer activities (via the Bellbird and Golf Course Coordinators)

• Authorise the taking of animals into care.• Decide on fate of individual Flying-foxes taken from the wild (after advice from the

veterinarian). This ranges from determining when an animal should leave the site andremain in care with a care organisation to euthanasia by a veterinarian.

• Contact DPI Attwood or other pre-arranged incineration facility if dead Flying-foxes are

Managing Grey-headed Flying FoxesP t l f h t t t t Y B d P k


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• Location of volunteers and staff.• Time volunteers started and due finishing times (be aware of time out in the field). In

severe conditions (such as high temperatures in excess of 40oC, therecommended maximum shift should be no longer than 6 hours – individualgroups should ensure their own staff are appropriately managed).

• Details on the status of the operation (e.g. the level of heat stress in Flying-foxes).• Location of heat stressed populations (mapping and photography of heat stressed animals

on the day)

Operation OfficerResponsible to the IC for all field activities undertaken relating to the heat stress eventincluding:Provide advice and recommendations on the response strategies within the park – i.e. whatactivity/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 OfficerThe 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. Responsibilitiesinclude:• 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



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• Ensuring that important information is communicated to staff/carers/volunteers via theBellbird and Golf Course Coordinator

The above roles are key management roles in an AIIMS structure, however are not the only rolesrequired to manage a heat stress event. Appendix 2 identifies other roles required when managingthe impact of heat stress on Flying-foxes

7.2 Other Roles and Responsibilities

In some cases not all of the IMT roles will need to be filled, depending on the severity of the event,and the available resources. Specific roles required will be determined by the IC after taking intoaccount severity of the event and resources.

Further to the detailed roles outlined in section 7.1 for the IMT, individual role descriptions have beendeveloped based on roles that are seen to be needed to manage a heat stress event. Appendix 2outlines the key roles and the role description for management of a heat stress event.

7.3 Volunteers

The Department has limited resources to undertake rescue of heat stressed Grey-headed Flying-foxesand needs assistance. Volunteers can help in the overall response to a heat stress event includingcaring for distressed animals, rehabilitation of Flying-foxes, record keeping and other generalactivities.

Where they are used, the management of volunteers must be in accordance within the establishedprocedures outlined for the Management of Volunteers.

The following arrangements are consistent with DSE’s 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



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7.4 Staffing Requirements

For each level of risk of a heat stress event (Low, High, Very High and Extreme), estimated minimumstaffing levels have been determined (see table 2).

The figures in the following table are minimum requirements. Additional volunteers may benecessary depending on the number of Flying-foxes affected. Additional volunteers should be calledin by the leader of individual groups via the IC.

Shifts for heat stress events days should not exceed 6 hours on the ground and replacementpersonnel will be required after that time.

Table 2: Minimum Staffing Levels

Risk Level DSE staff Volunteers Other non-

DSE staff

TOTAL

Low 1 IC 0 0 1 DSE

High 1 IC1 Golf Course

Coordinator

1 Bellbird Coordinator

1 Pump Coordinator

1 Logistics

1 Communication

1 Operations/Mapping

1 Leader Help forWildlife plus team of 6

carers

1 Leader Wildlife

Victoria plus team of 6

carers

Friends of Bats - 4

carers

VAWA - 4 carers

Pump volunteers - 4

ARCUE7 DSE26 volunteers

Very High 1 IC 0 1 Spraying

contractor

with slip

unit

1 DSE

1 Contractor

Extreme 1 IC

1 Golf Course

Coordinator

1 B llbi d C di t

1 Leader Help for

Wildlife plus team of 6

carers 1 Spraying

t t

8 DSE

26 volunteers

1 contractor



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An initial briefing will be held during November to provide an outline of the protocols to key agenciesand carer groups. During that briefing the protocol will be outlined, and individual staff will benominated 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 stressevent (usually on the day of the event). An initial briefing is given to all staff and carers and includesdetails 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.

7.6 Key Contacts

The table held with the Incident Controller identifies key contacts within the public service and carergroups. Note that only one key contact for carer groups will be listed – it is up to the individual carergroups to contact their own volunteers.

As key contacts have the potential to change throughout the course of a season Table 3 –Key Contacts will now be attached as an additional file.


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COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

9.1 Communication Plan

DSE’s Media Unit has drafted a Communication Plan. The objectives and audience for the Planhave been identified below. A full outline of the Communication Plan is held by DSE.

9.2 ObjectivesThe 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 todo if they encounter a stressed Flying-fox.

2. To be ready for issues by preparing for risks and managing issues communications3. 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 andoutcome 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 havebeen 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 Zoo’s Victoria)• Healesville Sanctuary• Yarra Bend Trust



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10 OCCUPATIONAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

There are a number of OH & S issues that must be taken into account when working withFlying-foxes or working in extreme conditions.

10.1 Risks and Risk Control

Staff and carers must be aware of:• Inoculation requirements – Flying-foxes can carry a range of viruses and it is critical

that only inoculated people touch the Flying-foxes. Only people that are fully vaccinated(using the Merieux Inactivated Rabies Vaccine) should handle Flying-foxes. People thatregularly come in contact with Flying-foxes must have their serum tested for rabiesantibody every two years, and receive a booster vaccine if their antibody count isinadequate. If a person or carer is bitten or scratched, the wound must be washedthoroughly (but not scrubbed) with soap and water for at least 5 minutes. Following

washing with soap, all bites should be cleaned with antiseptic with antiviral action (e.g.povidone iodine or iodine tincture). People should then contact their local doctor who willcontact the Department of Human Services to arrange appropriate treatment that mayinclude vaccination or booster vaccination.

• Sun-smart requirements – wear appropriate clothing (including a long sleeved shirt andclosed-toed shoes suitable for the field), sunscreen and wide brimmed hats. A gazebo willbe 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 becomedehydrated. Ensure plenty of water is consumed at regular intervals.Coordinators/leaders need to ensure that staff are rested, have plenty of breaks, are takenout of sunny areas periodically and do not work for lengthy periods. Provisions of foodand 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 bemore active at dusk, or when it cools down. Appropriate clothing (heavy boots, long pantsor 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


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11 REVIEW AND TRIALLING MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

This protocol is a working document and is refined each year. Review of the plan occurs on anannual basis to update contact details, management structures and staffing. Reviews will continue tooccur after each event to assess:

what worked well,what didn’t work wellwhat could be improved.

During the course of the heat stress events of 2008/9, a series of management activities wereundertaken to trial various methods to keep the Flying-foxes cool. Some of the activities eithertrialled 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 OutcomeUse of new ‘Guarany’ brand backpack sprayunits

Positive feedback from volunteers about thesprayers range, but still the issue that thebackpack spray units are quite heavy and difficultto use in rugged terrain. Investigating sprayunits that can be transported by car or wheeledalong instead.

Use of trailer-mounted 1500L slip tank with

motorised pump and 20+ m hose duringextreme heat stress event

Effective at reaching large numbers of bats during

extreme heat stress events. Noise levels needimprovement – muffler for the motor is needed.

Continued planting of terrestrial vegetationalong the river and in the wetland area toprovide addition shade and roosting sites (inprocess).

Planting is ongoing. Has provided shady, coolhabitat for the Flying-foxes.

Soft Release of dependent juveniles that

were deemed unfit for release during orimmediately after an event

Soft release trialled in 2007 and undertaken again

in 2009. Animals appear to be successfullyreintegrated back into colony. Microchip readersaround feeding buckets will be trialled nextseason to track which animals are returning tofeed.



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12 CASE STUDY EVENT

The following is a scenario event and describes the associated response from the IC.

Scenario:

January 19, hot dry conditions, Min 29, Max 39January 20, Min 28, Max 39,January 21, Min 29, Max 41.

Hot dry northerly winds, occasional cloud cover and low humidity.The Flying-fox colony roosts in an area adjacent to a river, and high roosting trees arepresent. Moderate density riparian shrubs and grasses occur along the river, and is relativelycontinuous. Vegetation within the river corridor is about 500 m wide, and consists primarily ofRiver Red Gum, Silver Wattle and Black Wattle.

Response from IC:

IC has been aware of hot dry conditions (via the Monitoring Officer). Upon receiving thepredicted forecasted top for January 21, the IC identifies an automatic high risk and a heatstress event is called. High risk has been determined because temperatures were in excess of39oC for two proceeding days, and a temperature in excess of 40oC, but less than 42oC, wasforecast.

The IC then establishes an IMT. Carer groups are notified and key staff are called in. Leaderswithin the carer groups notify members that a heat stress event is likely to occur and thatvolunteers to care for Flying-foxes should be available from 2 – 3pm (when it is most likelythat the Flying-foxes will require assistance).

The IC continues to monitor temperatures as well as Flying-fox behaviour on the day.

Attendance records are taken and carers and staff are signed in and noted if they arevaccinated.

Briefings are given to staff and carers and roles allocated. Staff and carers go to respectivedesignated areas to undertake tasks allocated by the IC or their DSE supervisor.



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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 andTreatment – Hypothermia Heat Stress. Website 2006.

Flying-fox Information and Care Network (2005b). The Flying-fox Manual – Health andTreatment – 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) Theestablishment 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 captiveGrey-headed Flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus ). Horseshoe Bend, Ivanhoe. Zoos Victoria.

Wires (Undated) Mass Disaster Incident Guidelines for Grey Headed Flying-fox. Coffs HarbourDistricts Branch.

Personal Communications

Baker, Rupert, Healesville SanctuaryBodley, Kate, Melbourne Zoo.Brown, Bev, Wildlife Victoria.Cash, Emma, Wildlife Victoria.D id M F i d f B t

Lumsden, Lindy, DSELynch, Peter, Parks Victoria.Manhal, Michelle, Help for WildlifeMarshall, Iain, Parks Victoria.M H h Mi h ll DSE



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14 APPENDICES

Appendices are provided on the following pages



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Page 53 of 80

APPENDIX 1: Data Sheet - Grey-headed Flying-foxes taken into care

Date of Event: Recorder/Carer Name:

Please record the following dataTime of

interventionGrid reference,

Tag number,

Microchip

number & nailpolish mark

Sex &

Age

Forearm

length

(cm)

Weight

(gm)

General

condition/

demeanour (pre

treatment)

Treatment General condition/

demeanour

(post treatment)

Outcome

(release time,

kept for

furthertreatment)

14:35hrs G7, Microchip

xxxx, red mark

on toe,

Male

Juvenile

156mm 200gms Skin doesn’t

bounce back,

lethargic, rapid

breathing,

disorientation

Immersed,

Oral 8mls diluted apple juice,

Sub-cut 5mls,

Alert, able to hang and

beginning to climb,

no longer panting,

skin showing normal

elasticity

Released

17:00hrs


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APPENDIX 2:Roles - Yarra Bend Park Grey-headed Flying-fox Heat Stress Event

IMPORTANT: ONLY PEOPLE THAT ARE FULLY VACCINATED (USING T

Protocols GHFF V1.7 Feb 11

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