Studies from James Cook University Yield New Data on Coronavirus (Endangered Spectacled Flying-fox: a review of past and current knowledge and future needs to re-start its recovery).

A recent study from James Cook University discusses the decline of the Spectacled Flying-fox, which has fallen from vulnerable to endangered status despite a recovery plan in place. The study highlights the pressing issues facing the species, including extreme heat events, habitat loss, declining food resources, pressure to disperse roosts in urban areas, and diseases that disproportionately affect young and mother bats. The study also addresses the misconception that these bats transmit coronavirus directly to humans. The researchers emphasize the need for better approaches to changing community perceptions and greater diligence in taking recovery action to protect this keystone species. [Extracted from the article]