Story perspectives

Heatwaves Threaten Big Brown Bats in Sunlit Boxes

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the University of New England, Australia, warn that bat boxes in direct sunlight can exceed 50°C during heatwaves, endangering roosting big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus).
A retrospective analysis of the June 2021 heatwave shows bats could lose over 50% of their body mass under extreme conditions.
Published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, the study calls for strategically placed roosts and conservation strategies as climate change intensifies.

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Story summary

Researchers from the University of New England, Australia, warn that bat boxes in direct sunlight can exceed 50°C during heatwaves, endangering roosting big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus).
A retrospective analysis of the June 2021 heatwave shows bats could lose over 50% of their body mass under extreme conditions.
Published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, the study calls for strategically placed roosts and conservation strategies as climate change intensifies.