Australian Bushfires Have Finally Died Down But Koalas Now Face Immediate Threat Of Extinction
This week for the first time since July 2019 there was no active bushfire left in Australia. Nearly 45 million acres of land burned across Australia leaving the koala habitat unsuitable for living. Koalas are particularly vulnerable to bushfires as they are slow moving and live in eucalyptus trees that burn quickly.
This week, for the first time since July 2019, there was no active bushfire left in Australia. The firefighters managed to extinguish all the bushfires. This season of fires proved to be more damaging than almost any before.
For the first time since early July 2019, there is currently no active bush or grass fires in #NSW. That¡¯s more than 240 days of fire activity for the state. #nswfires #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/NpjF3lAHKa
¡ª NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) March 2, 2020
The Australian bushfires were reported to be much bigger than the Amazon rainforest fires or the ones in California, and caused major damage to life and land.
More than a billion animals have reportedly been affected by the fires and the worst-hit is the koala population.
Reuters
Atleast 5,000 koalas are estimated to have died in the Australian Bushfires according to the report released by the global conservation group International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). That's 12 per cent of the animal's population in New South Wales (NSW).
These are, however, conservative figures IFAW Wildlife Campaigner Josey Sharrad told CNN and the real numbers are higher.
Watch the moment this woman runs towards a raging bushfire in order to save a badly burned koala ?
¡ª Sky News (@SkyNews) November 19, 2019
The woman even took off her top to save the crying animal who had been injured by the flames.
Find more about Australia's helpless victims here: https://t.co/YzE9AgJ773 pic.twitter.com/ZnCgcSu33b
"Koalas are particularly vulnerable to bushfires as they are slow moving and live in eucalyptus trees that burn quickly and intensely. When fires sweep through their homes, they often don't have time to escape, particularly in intense crown fires that rage through the treetops where they live," Sharrad was quoted as saying.
Nearly 45 million acres of land burned across Australia, leaving the koala habitat unsuitable for living.
AFP
The reports states that koalas are eligible for a provisional listing as endangered on an emergency basis under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act of 2016.
"Our koalas only stand a chance if we help. They are literally fighting for their survival. This rapid destruction of koala habitat, combined with climate change, is inflicting substantial stress and pushing the species towards extinction. Reduction and fragmentation of koala habitat exposes koalas to the added threats of vehicle strikes, dog attacks, stress and disease," Sharrad said.
Shuttestock
Now, that Australia has successfully fought the fires, it has a new challenge, saving its animals.
