Wildlife caught between bushfires and floods in Australia

Australia is currently facing two sides of a worsening climate crisis. While the north is being inundated by record breaking floods, and an ex-tropical cyclone, the south is being ravaged by devastating bushfires. The consequences are far-reaching—not only for people, but also for the many animals that depend on fragile habitats. 

The south is now experiencing the most severe bushfire season since the so-called Black Summer fires of 2019–2020. During those fires, an estimated three billion animals were affected. The damage is enormous now too: in the recent period alone, an area of more than 350,000 hectares has gone up in flames. Injured animals, including koalas with severe burns, are being found on the outskirts of the firegrounds requiring intervention. 

Extreme heat takes a heavy toll 

Fire is not the only threat. Periods of extreme heat across the southern states is causing many animals to perish under the extreme temperatures. Flying foxes—the largest bats in the world, with a wingspan of up to 1metres—are falling from the trees en masse, exhausted, succumbing to heat stress. Local rescue centres, including Fly By Night, have already taken in and cared for hundreds of animals across their network. With the flying-foxes already struggling through a starvation event, the persistent heat exacerbates the already compromised animals, and the number of animals in need is increasing. 

Flooding in the north 

At the same time, the severe weather in northern Australia shows no sign of abating. Large areas have been flooded from a tropical low system last week and now surrounding areas have just felt the brunt of of ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, bringing strong winds and even more rainfall. While local authorities are evacuating residents by helicopter and boat, animal rescue organisations are focusing on animals that have been impacted by the flooding. With the support of partners, kangaroos and exhausted birds, among others, are being rescued and brought to safety. In some areas, Koji’s winds brought down trees damaging wildlife rehabilitation enclosures, which IFAW is helping to rebuild. 

Working together for animals 

As conditions worsen, IFAW and our partners are responding in real time to support wildlife responders on the ground. From fire-impacted koalas and flying foxes, to flood-affected macropods and birds, this is what our disaster response looks like—state by state, hour by hour.  

The situation is critical and there is great concern about what is yet to come. Together with partners across Australia, every effort is being made to rescue and care for animals and give them a chance to recover.