Bat Woman, Australia

Bat woman by Douglas Gimesy, Australia. Wildlife rescuer and carer Julie Malherbe takes a call to assist the next animal rescue while looking after three recently orphaned grey-headed flying foxes. This megabat is native to Australia and is endemic to the south-eastern forested areas, playing a vital role in seed dispersal and the pollination of more than 100 native species of flowering and fruit-bearing tree. The species is listed as vulnerable to extinction because of the destruction of foraging and roosting habitats and, more frequently, mass die-offs caused by heat-stress events. Photograph: Douglas Gimesy/2020 wildlife photographer of the year