Bushfires take heavy toll on wildlife, including possums, koalas and gliders

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/22/bushfires-take-heavy-toll-wildlife

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There are fears wildlife will suffer “dramatic” losses from the NSW bushfires, with growing numbers of possums, koalas and gliders being found with burns and smoke inhalation.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said that while it was not clear how many animals had been killed due to the ongoing severity of the fires, thousands were likely to be affected.

“With such large areas being burned, the impact on wildlife will be dramatic, no doubt about that,” Geoff Ross, wildlife officer at the department told Guardian Australia. “Most birds will be able to move out of the way of the fire front but arboreal animals will be badly affected and while some reptiles might be able to dig down to survive, they will find most of their food has gone after the fire.”

Ross said government agencies were working with the RSPCA and the volunteer service Wires to help recover injured animals. Populations of gliders were considered particularly at risk, while endangered species such as the giant dragonfly could suffer very serious losses.

“We won’t know how they’ll hold up until after the fires are contained,” Ross said. “These species will be very hard hit by the ferocity of these fires. Also, some populations have not had time to recover from the last fires.

“Fire frequency, as much as severity, is a major issue for wildlife. We’re seeing greater frequency of these fires nationally. It’s having a big impact.”

Carla Toyne, a rescuer at Wires, said animals were starting to “trickle in” as the fires swept through the state.

“In areas where the fires have subsided we’ve seen quite a few brushtail and ringtail possums come in,” she said. “There aren’t huge numbers of them, which isn’t encouraging. We hope that starts to increase as people start to look around. We have to wait for the Rural Fire Service to give us permission to look for injured animals.”

Toyne said Wires, which has mobilised nearly 2,000 volunteers, had tended to possums with burnt limbs, tails and ears. One brushtail possum, named Blossom and described as “feisty” by volunteers, was found in Balmoral with burns to much of her body but had survived after a liberal dosage of antibiotics and antiseptic cream.

There was also particular concern for koalas, which are unable to move quickly from trees once a fire is closing in.

“We are seeing animals with severe burns and smoke inhalation,” she said. “We are worried about the koalas but you don’t want to see any animal in pain. There are kangaroos and wallabies which are unable to get away. The shock can often kill animals, especially the smaller animals.”

Residents are encouraged to leave a bowl of water out for injured wildlife and to not feed animals. Smaller creatures can be loosely wrapped in towels and put into a box for their own safety when taken to vets. Alternatively, people can call 13000WIRES for a volunteer to take the animal way.

Domestic pets are also considered vulnerable to the fires. Dr Robert Johnson, of the Australian Veterinary Association, said owners should factor in their pets in evacuation plans.

“If you become separated from your pet in an emergency evacuation advise local vets, animal welfare shelters and rescue organisations,” he said. “It’s crucial that your pet is microchipped and registered with the local council to make it easier to be re-united in an emergency.”

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