Wildlife Mortality in Extreme Heat Events

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme heat events that cause mass wildlife mortality; planning and intervention can reduce individual suffering during these events.

Key Facts

Flying foxes in Australia die by the thousands in temperatures above 42 degrees C
Salmon in warming rivers develop thermal stress and increased disease susceptibility
Small mammals with restricted ranges face population-level heat mortality events
Nest temperatures in ground-nesting birds can reach lethal levels during prolonged heat waves

Welfare Considerations

Extreme heat events cause mass mortality in wildlife through hyperthermia, dehydration, and physiological collapse. Individual animals experiencing heat stress suffer acutely before death — the distress of overheating combined with failed thermoregulation creates a severe welfare emergency. Emergency interventions during heat events, including water provision, shade structures, and rescue of collapsed animals, provide welfare relief and save lives. Climate action addressing the root cause of increasing heat event frequency is the ultimate welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife welfare organisations with emergency response capacity for heat events
Provide garden water sources during extreme heat for wildlife
Advocate for climate action as animal welfare policy at every opportunity