Conservationists gravely concerned for native species devastated by Christmas bushfires
The Australian Conservation Foundation fears for the future of native, threatened species impacted by the devastating Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park bushfires that have already destroyed a staggering 76,000 hectares of habitat and claimed at least three homes. Gariwerd is the fourth largest National Park in Victoria and so far, precious bushland the size of Singapore has burned to the ground.
Renowned for its rich diversity of fauna and flora, it is a crucial ecosystem for over 300 species of native mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. This includes more than 50 threatened species such as the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby.
While cooler temperatures have brought important relief to residents protecting their homes and towns, the steep terrain, dense forest, and tinder-dry conditions of the national park mean the bushfire will burn well into the new year, resulting in catastrophic loss of wildlife.
Conservationist and CFA member Dr Tam Ramsay lives on a property in Gariwerd home to the Wildwood Wildlife Shelter. She spent the week leading up to Boxing Day fighting fires and protecting native wildlife.
“I was on the Victoria Valley tanker as part of a strike team when we spotted an eagle’s nest perched at the fire’s edge in the most magnificent tree in the area. Her nest is a haven for her and her chicks, now it was under direct threat. Two tankers used half their water to protect that tree and the surrounding bushland. The nest stood as a powerful symbolic reminder that forests are homes to countless lives,” she said.
“On another day, I watched two kangaroos trapped by “kangaroo fences,” unable to flee their burning Country, which was devastating,”
“Bushfires are made more frequent and intense by global heating, fuelled by burning coal, oil and gas.”
Dr Ramsay said a fellow nature advocate and Parks Victoria worker had documented that the last haven for long-nosed potoroos in the National Park had also burned.
“Our big backyard is at breaking point. Scorching heat. Catastrophic bushfires. Communities and wildlife without time to recover before the next disaster strikes. This is climate destruction, fuelled by gas and coal companies, and it is getting worse,” said ACF’s Climate and Energy Program Manager Gavan McFadzean.
“We are facing hotter fires of increased intensity that incinerate rather than rejuvenate the landscape. And we’re seeing these at increased frequency and over a longer bushfire season. In places like Gariwerd, this results in permanent ecological damage and decline.
‘This double whammy of deadly fires and extreme heat is leaving people and native animals alarmingly vulnerable throughout the long summer months,” he said.
The black summer fires of 2019-20 killed or displaced 3 billion native animals.
People who find wildlife injured by the fire are asked to download the Wildlife Emergency App or call 1300 356 882. You can also find more information on how to care for distressed or injured wildlife in ACF’s Wildlife care guide: fire, heatwaves and drought.
Donate to ACF’s urgent Climate in Crisis Fund to help stop the big polluters fuelling these chaotic weather events, again and again.
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For interviews with Mr McFadzean or Dr Ramsey contact Claire Knox, ACF media manager, 0452 326 549 or [email protected]
Photos and videos of rescued wildlife available.