Home / Environment / Victoria Fires Devastate Wildlife: Extinctions Feared
Victoria Fires Devastate Wildlife: Extinctions Feared
30 Jan
Summary
- Fires near Mallacoota burned 60% of habitat for endangered eastern bristlebirds.
- Thousands of flying foxes perished in a mass mortality event.
- Some plant species, like southern shepherd's purse, are feared extinct.
Bushfires in Victoria have resulted in catastrophic impacts on wildlife, with fears of extinctions among both animal and plant species. Extensive fires near Mallacoota destroyed approximately 60% of the habitat for the endangered eastern bristlebird, a ground-dwelling species vulnerable to predators without dense vegetation.
Thousands of flying foxes succumbed to heatwaves, marking a significant mass mortality event. Wildlife Victoria reported substantial animal losses, primarily affecting kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies. Rescuers face challenges entering firegrounds deemed unsafe, hindering immediate assessment and aid.
Several plant species are also at risk. The endangered southern shepherd's purse, found only on Mount Alexander, and the critically endangered summer leek orchid, located in a flora reserve near Mount Lawson, face severe threats. Botanists are awaiting germination in autumn to assess the full extent of damage and salvage efforts.
Experts attribute the increasing severity and frequency of fires to human-caused climate change. They emphasize the need for rapid attack capabilities to control fires early and for protecting sensitive ecosystems, such as rainforests, which are vulnerable to recurrent blazes.
