fears for Australian wildlife amid catastrophic floods

Sydney, 11 March 2022 – There are grave fears for Australian wildlife amid catastrophic floods impacting the same areas which were devastated by the Black Summer bushfires.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has rushed emergency aid to our partners, wildlife groups and carers in New South Wales and Queensland to provide support and assistance in the aftermath of the severe weather.

“The floods have impacted many of the same areas which were devastated by the bushfires two years ago and severe storms one year ago, dealing a further blow to the communities and wildlife in those areas,” IFAW Animal Rescue Program Officer Nicole Rojas-Marin said.

“It is going to be catastrophic for our wildlife. Animals and ecosystems which may have only just begun to bounce back, have now been pushed further to the edge. We won’t know the true extent until floodwaters subside, but as they recede we expect to see an influx of orphaned, injured and displaced animals needing care.”

IFAW has so far supported several groups by providing critical supplies including food supplements, equipment, generators, water tanks, medical supplies, emergency enclosures and help with transportation across Queensland and New South Wales.

As the waters recede IFAW will continue to work with landowners and conservation partners to assess damage and loss to critical wildlife corridors, and plan further restoration and recovery efforts.

With Australia experiencing catastrophic drought, bushfires and floods in the past two years alone, IFAW will continue to build community resilience against future disasters which are increasing in intensity and frequency as a result of climate change.

“This needs to be a wake-up call. Australia should be seen as a terrifying example of what happens when you don’t act on climate change. The impact on communities and wildlife has been relentless. We can’t afford any more devastation — we all need to take immediate action to ensure the survival of many species, including our own,” IFAW Campaign Manager Josey Sharrad said.