8,000 koalas perish in the bushfires sweeping across Australia
5 years ago

8,000 koalas perish in the bushfires sweeping across Australia

Daily Mail  

The devastating wildfires sweeping across Australia could force some of the country’s best-loved animals to the brink of extinction, scientists warn. Another creature under threat is the potoroo, a hare-size wallaby – its habitat in New South Wales’s Ngunya Jargoon forest has been destroyed. A dehydrated one is pictured being given water at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in New South Wales The hip pocket frog, which lives in New South Wales rainforests, may also vanish A Kangaroo is pictured being doused by a watering can as it attempts to cool down in New South Wales There is also mounting concern for the endangered Australasian bittern, a large heron, due to the widespread destruction of the Macquarie Marshes, a wetland in north-western New South Wales. New South Wales transport minister Andrew Constance compared the blazes to an ‘atomic bomb’. ‘There are fires that are coming together that are creating fire-generated thunderstorms,’ said New South Wales Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.

Australia Ireland New South Wales South Wales Fires Koalas  bushfires  endangered  perish  flames  south  wales  island  8000  fires  koalas  australia  sweeping  pictured  macquarie  thousands  state

History of this topic

‘Roadkill hotspot’ in Australia sees 150 endangered koalas die every year
1 month, 4 weeks ago

‘Roadkill hotspot’ in Australia sees 150 endangered koalas die every year

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A stretch of highway in …

Planting 'koala corridors' to save Australia's endangered marsupial
1 year, 1 month ago

Planting 'koala corridors' to save Australia's endangered marsupial

The Hindu  

When Lucy was rescued from a rural property in New South Wales two years ago, she was suffering from chlamydia, a disease widespread among koalas. The vast networks of vegetation, planted by local conservation group Bangalow Koalas in the Northern Rivers region of the state, are a lifeline for koalas and numerous other species like the endangered glossy black cockatoo, …

Two dead, dozens homes destroyed as bushfires rage across eastern Australia
1 year, 2 months ago

Two dead, dozens homes destroyed as bushfires rage across eastern Australia

India Today  

Two people were killed and dozens of homes were destroyed in bushfires raging across Australia's northern Queensland state, as firefighters travelled from across the country and from New Zealand to try and contain the out-of-control blazes. Residents have been told to evacuate from two massive bushfires in the southeast portion of Queensland, even as dozens of fires continue to burn …

Australian Authorities Warn Citizens of Horrific Bushfire Season
1 year, 3 months ago

Australian Authorities Warn Citizens of Horrific Bushfire Season

News 18  

Warm winds fanned multiple blazes on Wednesday in an unusually early start to Australia’s annual fire season, prompting a state leader to warn of a “horror” summer of bushfires ahead. “Be prepared for a horror summer,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns told a news conference in Bega. “Bushfires love this environment and it is devastating for regional communities in …

Another Black Summer for Australia? Residents told to Flee Victoria Bushfires
1 year, 3 months ago

Another Black Summer for Australia? Residents told to Flee Victoria Bushfires

News 18  

Firefighters warned people on Tuesday to flee or take shelter if it is too late to leave as warm, gusty winds fanned “very challenging” bushfires in Victoria, eastern Australia. People who had not yet left from another seven neighbourhoods were told to take shelter immediately because “it is too late to leave the area safely”. “We are experiencing spot fires …

Thermal drones locating elusive northern NSW koalas in area scorched by bushfires
2 years ago

Thermal drones locating elusive northern NSW koalas in area scorched by bushfires

ABC  

Thermal drones are being hailed as "game changers" by ecologists searching for koala populations after a surprise discovery in north-east New South Wales. Key points: Researchers say up to three quarters of koalas are missed in land-based surveys Thermal drones pick up the heat emitted by koalas in eucalypt trees A population of 32 koalas are found in Indigenous-managed country …

Koalas declared endangered in Australia after devastating wildfires
2 years, 10 months ago

Koalas declared endangered in Australia after devastating wildfires

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Australia’s environment minister has moved the much-loved animal from …

Koala declared endangered as disease, lost habitat take toll
2 years, 10 months ago

Koala declared endangered as disease, lost habitat take toll

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Koalas were declared officially endangered …

Koalas now considered endangered in NSW, Queensland and the ACT
2 years, 10 months ago

Koalas now considered endangered in NSW, Queensland and the ACT

ABC  

Koalas are now considered an endangered species in NSW, Queensland and the ACT, as numbers plummet due to climate change, land clearing and disease. Key points: Australia classifies threatened species in six ways Koala numbers in NSW have decreased between 33 and 61 per cent since 2001 The World Wildlife Fund says the federal government's decision is "grim" but "important" …

Australia could list east coast koalas as endangered
3 years, 6 months ago

Australia could list east coast koalas as endangered

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia is considering listing koalas on the country’s east coast as endangered, Minister for the …

Over 60,000 Koalas Were Affected by Australia's Deadly 'Black Summer' Bushfires
4 years, 1 month ago

Over 60,000 Koalas Were Affected by Australia's Deadly 'Black Summer' Bushfires

News 18  

More than 60,000 koalas among three billion animals were impacted during Australia’s devastating 2019-20 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, a report released on Monday revealed. The report, ‘Impacts of the unprecedented 2019-2020 bushfires on Australian animals’ found about 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 181 million birds, and 51 million frogs lived in the areas hit by the fires. According to the …

More than 60,000 koalas killed or hurt in Australia’s bushfires
4 years, 1 month ago

More than 60,000 koalas killed or hurt in Australia’s bushfires

Al Jazeera  

WWF says number is ‘deeply disturbing’ given the animal has already been in steep decline. “Sixty thousand koalas impacted is a deeply disturbing number for a species already in trouble,” O’Gorman said in a statement. “We cannot afford to lose koalas on our watch.” The bushfires that swept across southeastern Australia from September 2019 and into the early part of …

WWF report finds 71pc decline in koala numbers across northern NSW bushfire-affected areas
4 years, 4 months ago

WWF report finds 71pc decline in koala numbers across northern NSW bushfire-affected areas

ABC  

A report released today shows a 71 per cent decline in koala populations across six locations in northern NSW, burned in last season's bushfires. Key points: The study compares koala populations before and after the bushfires over Black Summer At one site near Taree no koalas were found and at Kappinghat Nature Reserve there was an 87 per cent decline …

About Three Billion Animals Harmed in Australian Bushfires, WWF Says
4 years, 5 months ago

About Three Billion Animals Harmed in Australian Bushfires, WWF Says

News 18  

Nearly 3 billion koalas, kangaroos and other native Australian animals were killed or displaced by bushfires in 2019 and 2020, a study by the World Wide Fund for Nature said, triple the group's earlier estimates. Some 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds and 51 million frogs were impacted by the country's worst bushfires in decades, the WWF …

Three billion animals affected by Australia bushfires: WWF
4 years, 5 months ago

Three billion animals affected by Australia bushfires: WWF

The Hindu  

Nearly 3 billion koalas, kangaroos and other native Australian animals were killed or displaced by bushfires in 2019 and 2020, a study by the World Wide Fund for Nature said on Tuesday, triple the group’s earlier estimates. Some 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds and 51 million frogs were impacted by the country’s worst bushfires in decades, …

WWF Study Shows Nearly 3 Billion Animals Killed or Displaced in Australian Bushfires of 2019 & 2020
4 years, 5 months ago

WWF Study Shows Nearly 3 Billion Animals Killed or Displaced in Australian Bushfires of 2019 & 2020

News 18  

Nearly 3 billion animals, including mammals, reptiles and birds, were either killed or displaced during Australia's devastating bushfire season of 2019 and 2020, a new study by the World Wide Fund for Nature said on Tuesday, revealing for the first time the scale of the impact on the country's wildlife. Almost 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds, …

3 billion animals killed or displaced in Black Summer bushfires, study estimates
4 years, 5 months ago

3 billion animals killed or displaced in Black Summer bushfires, study estimates

ABC  

Almost 3 billion koalas, kangaroos and other animals are estimated to have been killed or displaced in Australia's 'Black Summer' bushfires, according to an updated study trebling the previous estimate of 1 billion. Key points: Scientists revised the figure up after calculating the effects of fire outside NSW and on additional species The estimate includes 2.46 billion reptiles and 180 …

Australia fires: Nearly three billion animals killed or displaced
4 years, 5 months ago

Australia fires: Nearly three billion animals killed or displaced

CNN  

CNN — Nearly three billion animals were killed or displaced by Australia’s devastating bushfires – almost triple the figure estimated in January – according to a report released Tuesday. Researchers are still working to finalize the report, titled “Australia’s 2019-2020 Bushfires: The Wildlife Toll,” but the three billion figure is not likely to change, according to a WWF statement. “When …

Koalas Face Extinction in New South Wales as Bushfire and Heat Waves Damage Habitats
4 years, 6 months ago

Koalas Face Extinction in New South Wales as Bushfire and Heat Waves Damage Habitats

News 18  

Sydney Koalas will face extinction in Australia's New South Wales state before 2050 due to the continuous destruction of their habitat and frequent natural disasters occurring in the region, according to an official report published on Tuesday which urges greater environmental protection. According to ecologist Oisin Sweeney's research, some 15,000 to 20,000 koalas were in NSW which suffered devastating bushfires …

Koalas face extinction in New South Wales within 30 years, report warns
4 years, 6 months ago

Koalas face extinction in New South Wales within 30 years, report warns

ABC  

Koalas could be extinct in New South Wales within 30 years unless urgent action is taken, according a report by a parliamentary committee. Key points: Report finds at least 5,000 koalas died in recent bushfires More than 80 per cent of some habitat areas was destroyed Committee chair Cate Faehrmann calls for urgent action to increase protected habitat The report …

Crochet koalas made by Sydney high-school student raise much needed funds after bushfires
4 years, 6 months ago

Crochet koalas made by Sydney high-school student raise much needed funds after bushfires

ABC  

When high-school student Ali Brand heard stories about the many koalas injured after bushfires tore through huge areas of their habitat last year, she wondered what she could do to help. Key points: Year 12 student Ali Brand wanted to help in some way after last year's NSW bushfires She decided to make crocheted koalas and sell them, donating the …

First baby koala born in Australian wildlife park since devastating New South Wales bushfires
4 years, 7 months ago

First baby koala born in Australian wildlife park since devastating New South Wales bushfires

CNN  

CNN — A wildlife park in Australia is celebrating the arrival of its first baby koala since bushfires devastated the area. The baby koala – known as a joey – was revealed in a Facebook video posted by the Australian Reptile Park near Sydney, New South Wales, on Tuesday. Posted by Australian Reptile Park on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Keepers …

Landholders and wildlife groups work to restore koala habitat wiped out in NSW fires
4 years, 7 months ago

Landholders and wildlife groups work to restore koala habitat wiped out in NSW fires

ABC  

With up to 30 per cent of koala habitat destroyed by fire across New South Wales, not-for-profit groups are working hard to restore it to protect remaining koalas. Key points: WIRES and Landcare are providing $1 million for habitat regeneration Koala habitat map launched online for landholders 12,500 koala food trees given away for free Wildlife rescue group WIRES and …

Koalas injured in Australia bushfires re-released into wild
4 years, 8 months ago

Koalas injured in Australia bushfires re-released into wild

CNN  

CNN — In a spot of good news, several koalas who were injured in bushfires in Australia in 2019 have been re-released into the wild. The marsupials were being treated at the world’s only all-koala hospital, located in the New South Wales town of Port Macquarie. Now, though, she is joining several other koalas who have been resettled at the …

First koalas released back into the wild after Australian bushfires
4 years, 9 months ago

First koalas released back into the wild after Australian bushfires

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Staff and volunteers at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, based four hours’ drive north of Sydney, released their first koala on …

Koala losses from recent NSW bushfires 'One of the most significant biodiversity impacts in our history'
4 years, 10 months ago

Koala losses from recent NSW bushfires 'One of the most significant biodiversity impacts in our history'

ABC  

Authorities may have underestimated the extent of the impact of the bushfires on koalas on the North Coast, a New South Wales ecologist has said. Key points: An ecologist undertaking the first on-the-ground surveys on the NSW North Coast since bushfires swept through said koala losses may be far greater than previously modelled Previous estimates assumed a 70 per cent …

The koala population faces an immediate threat of extinction after the Australia bushfires, new report finds
4 years, 10 months ago

The koala population faces an immediate threat of extinction after the Australia bushfires, new report finds

CNN  

CNN — Following the devastating bushfires in Australia, there is now a significant and immediate threat of extinction to the koala population, according to a new report. Finding “an immediate, ongoing and significant threat of extinction,” the report states that koalas are eligible for a provisional listing as Endangered on an emergency basis under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act of …

The size of Australia's bushfire crisis captured in five big numbers
4 years, 10 months ago

The size of Australia's bushfire crisis captured in five big numbers

ABC  

Many Australians just lost their summer, thanks to the recent bushfire crisis. To put that in some perspective, in New South Wales alone more than 5.4 million hectares have been burned, said Ben Shepherd from the NSW Rural Fire Service. "An average fire season here in New South Wales is typically at around 300,000 hectares," Inspector Shepherd said. "The first …

Australian fires ‘contained’ for first time in New South Wales
4 years, 10 months ago

Australian fires ‘contained’ for first time in New South Wales

CNN  

CNN — All fires burning in the Australian state of New South Wales have been declared contained for the first time this season. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service called it “great news” after “a very traumatic, exhausting and anxious bush fire season so far.” The fire service’s deputy commissioner Rob Rogers said it had been “a truly devastating …

Counting the cost of Australia's horror bushfire season
4 years, 11 months ago

Counting the cost of Australia's horror bushfire season

Daily Mail  

More than one billion animals have been killed in the bushfire crisis which has destroyed extensive areas of critical habitat across the country. Scroll down for video Koala populations have been severely affected by the fires, with an estimated 8,000 being killed in northern NSW in addition to the 30,000 destroyed on Kangaroo Island Data published on Monday by the …

Australia wildfires: Hundreds of koalas being treated as animals spotted ‘curled up and shut down’ across fire-ravaged region
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia wildfires: Hundreds of koalas being treated as animals spotted ‘curled up and shut down’ across fire-ravaged region

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hundreds of koalas are being …

Inside the race to protect 250 threatened species hit by bushfire
4 years, 11 months ago

Inside the race to protect 250 threatened species hit by bushfire

ABC  

Ecologists have calculated that at least 6 million hectares of habitat that is home to at least 250 different threatened species has now gone up in smoke. Key points: About 70 threatened species lost more than half their habitat to recent bushfires Of the 250 overall species to lose habitat, 25 are listed as critically endangered and include plants, birds, …

Australia wildfires: Koala pictured 'grieving' over dead friend
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia wildfires: Koala pictured 'grieving' over dead friend

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. An injured Koala sits beside another dead koala on …

Gripping Images Show Distraught Koala Beside Dead Companion In Australia Fires
4 years, 11 months ago

Gripping Images Show Distraught Koala Beside Dead Companion In Australia Fires

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Devastating images have captured the moment a singed koala sits traumatized beside a dead companion after a wildfire decimated their Kangaroo Island habitat. PETER PARKS via Getty Images Subsequent images show rescuers from the Humane Society International Crisis Response team capturing the surviving marsupial with a towel. PETER PARKS via Getty Images The Humane Society International Crisis …

An Australia in flames tries to cope with an ‘animal apocalypse.’ Could California be next?
4 years, 11 months ago

An Australia in flames tries to cope with an ‘animal apocalypse.’ Could California be next?

LA Times  

Sam Mitchell balanced himself on a eucalyptus branch 30 feet above the ground as his meaty left fist clutched a koala, which wailed like a pig with breathing problems. Kangaroo Island, a popular tourist destination and wildlife park off Australia’s southeast coast, has seen some of the worst damage to the nation’s biodiversity. “There’s not much that isn’t threatening koalas …

Australia wildfires: Carrots and sweet potatoes airdropped to wallabies in fire-ravaged region
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia wildfires: Carrots and sweet potatoes airdropped to wallabies in fire-ravaged region

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Thousands of kilograms of food has been delivered to …

Heat, winds escalate fire danger; Australians flee homes
4 years, 11 months ago

Heat, winds escalate fire danger; Australians flee homes

Deccan Chronicle  

Eden: Thousands of people fled their homes and helicopters dropped supplies to towns at risk of nearby wildfires as hot, windy conditions Friday threatened already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. If you are told to leave a community, and you can leave, then you should leave.” The unprecedented fire crisis in southeast Australia has claimed at least 26 lives, destroyed more …

Australians urged to evacuate as monster bushfires regenerate
5 years ago

Australians urged to evacuate as monster bushfires regenerate

Al Jazeera  

Hot temperatures and high winds expected to fan flames of blazes that have devastated parts of country since September. The Rural Fire Service in New South Wales state told fire-weary community meetings in coastal communities south of Sydney that northwesterly winds were likely to drive blazes towards the coast once again. “Don’t get complacent from the rain we have had …

NSW bushfires mean more than a billion animals 'dead or displaced', experts say
5 years ago

NSW bushfires mean more than a billion animals 'dead or displaced', experts say

ABC  

Over a billion animals have been killed or displaced in bushfires throughout NSW this season, and "hundreds of billions" of insects have also died, according to leading wildlife experts. Key points: Some species in NSW are likely extinct before being discovered and documented Cats and foxes pose a significant threat because trees — a typical refuge — have been destroyed …

Australia Fires: Military deployed to keep deadly fires from spreading further — 'It's an atomic bomb,' say authorities
5 years ago

Australia Fires: Military deployed to keep deadly fires from spreading further — 'It's an atomic bomb,' say authorities

Firstpost  

Authorities claim that the evacuations are likely the largest peacetime maritime rescue operation in Australian history. “There’s nowhere safe,” said Liddy Lant, a hospital cleaner still in her uniform who had fled from her home on Saturday. “I could seriously just sit down and cry.” The Fire Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service in New South Wales, Shane Fitzsimmons, told …

Millions of animals are dying from the Australian wildfires
5 years ago

Millions of animals are dying from the Australian wildfires

CNN  

CNN — In a grim video posted on Twitter, a man drives into the fire-ravaged town of Batlow, in the Australian state of New South Wales. “There are substantial concerns about the capacity of these to rebound from the fires.” Flames, food, and predators The team at the University of Sydney came to their conclusion by using estimates of NSW …

Australia Wildfires Have Claimed 25 Lives And Will Burn For Months, Officials Say
5 years ago

Australia Wildfires Have Claimed 25 Lives And Will Burn For Months, Officials Say

NPR  

Australia Wildfires Have Claimed 25 Lives And Will Burn For Months, Officials Say Enlarge this image toggle caption Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images Australia's government is offering new help to people who have lost their homes and others affected by bushfires that have burned millions of acres of land. Fire officials in New South Wales …

The Irwin family is working to save the animals injured in the Australia wildfires
5 years ago

The Irwin family is working to save the animals injured in the Australia wildfires

CNN  

CNN — The Irwin family is continuing the Crocodile Hunter’s legacy of rescuing and saving wildlife in danger. Terri and Robert Irwin, Steve Irwin’s widow and son, spoke with “Anderson Cooper Full Circle” on Monday about the impact Australia’s devastating wildfires are having on the nation’s vulnerable animals. “It’s so devastating and heartbreaking for us to see that all across …

Rescued koala melts firefighters' hearts after staggering out from his burning habitat
5 years ago

Rescued koala melts firefighters' hearts after staggering out from his burning habitat

Daily Mail  

Heartwarming footage and photos have emerged of a young koala who miraculously escaped the bushfires by hitchhiking a ride in a water tanker. Damian Campbell-Davys was on duty refilling fire trucks in the fire-ravaged town of Nerriga in the Southern Tablelands in New South Wales on Sunday when he came across the distressed marsupial staggering out from burnt bushland. The …

Dead livestock paint grim picture of fire devastation and logistical challenges of recovery effort
5 years ago

Dead livestock paint grim picture of fire devastation and logistical challenges of recovery effort

ABC  

Images of fleeing kangaroos and dehydrated koalas have captured the world's attention during Australia's bushfire crisis — but heartbreaking photos of perished livestock paint an equally devastating picture. Key points: Tens of thousands of livestock are likely to have perished in the bushfires Their carcasses are scattered across fire-devastated communities, with agricultural body Agforce saying there are biosecurity and health …

'Millions of sparks': Bushfires raging across Australia prompt govt to conduct evacuations as authorities predict blaze may worsen with strong winds
5 years ago

'Millions of sparks': Bushfires raging across Australia prompt govt to conduct evacuations as authorities predict blaze may worsen with strong winds

Firstpost  

Wildfires raging across Australia have prompted one of the largest evacuations in the country’s history as what is already the worst season on record is likely to become even more devastating due to hot weather and strong winds Sydney: Wildfires raging across Australia have prompted one of the largest evacuations in the country’s history as what is already the worst …

Deadly fires are threatening Australia’s entire way of life
5 years ago

Deadly fires are threatening Australia’s entire way of life

CNN  

CNN — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison may have thought a visit to a fire-ravaged town would help boost his image after a series of stumbles in handling the country’s bushfire crisis. Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images A Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk "Romeo" helicopter refuels onboard HMAS Adelaide during Operation Bushfire Assist, on Sunday, January 5, in this image …

Australia wildfires: Navy evacuates hundreds trapped on beaches as increasing temperatures threaten further destruction
5 years ago

Australia wildfires: Navy evacuates hundreds trapped on beaches as increasing temperatures threaten further destruction

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mark Jones, chief officer of the South Australian Country …

‘Millions of sparks': Weather raises Australia’s fire danger
5 years ago

‘Millions of sparks': Weather raises Australia’s fire danger

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — Wildfires raging across Australia have prompted one of the largest evacuations in the country’s history as what is already the worst season on record is likely to become even more devastating due to hot weather and strong winds. The early and devastating start to Australia’s summer wildfires has already burned about 5 million hectares of land, left at …

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