Heatwave conditions have been recorded in some parts of eastern Australia on multiple occasions in January 2026, including ACT, NSW, SA, VIC and southern QLD. There have been reports of affected wildlife, particularly mass mortalities in flying-foxes. Members of the public who come across heat-affected wildlife should report these animals directly to the relevant agencies or organisations in their jurisdiction. Members of the public should not touch or handle flying-foxes due to the risk of exposure to diseases such as Australian bat lyssavirus.
VIC
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) - Extreme heat events and wildlife
NSW
NSW Environment and Heritage - Heat stress in flying-fox camps
SA
Department of Environment and Water - How to help native animals in hot weather
ACT
Parks ACT - Wildlife
QLD
Qld Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation - Queensland heatwave weather: safety tips and advice and Qld Government - Mass dying events and heat stress events
Information on heat stress events in flying-foxes is available in the WHA Fact Sheet Heat events and Australian flying-foxes.