Post by Andrei Tchentchik on Mar 4, 2020 15:33:08 GMT 2
(.#A.056).- Australia, 480 million animals perished in flames. Jan 4, 2020.
Australia, 480 million animals perished in flames. Jan 4, 2020.
SYDNEY / AFP - Australian wildlife, famous for its koalas and kangaroos, take decades to recover from the forest fires that are currently devastating the vast island continent.
Since the start of these devastating fires in September 2019, at least 20 people have died. These fires have also been deadly for wildlife. According to a recent study, they are responsible for the disappearance of almost half a million animals in a single state and it will take decades for wildlife to recover.
Stunning images of thirsty koalas drinking water from bottles held by firefighters or kangaroos completely panicked in the midst of the flames have been around the world.
A study from the University of Sydney estimates that in New South Wales alone, the most affected by the fires, 480 million animals have been killed since September.
BILLIONS ?
In order to arrive at this figure, the researchers cross-checked estimates of the population density of these mammals in that state with the area of vegetation devastated. This number includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats and frogs. The number of animals that have disappeared is likely to be much higher.
Professor Andrew Beattie of Macquarie University said that the number of animal deaths nationwide could therefore be in the billions.
F I N.
Australia, 480 million animals perished in flames. Jan 4, 2020.
SYDNEY / AFP - Australian wildlife, famous for its koalas and kangaroos, take decades to recover from the forest fires that are currently devastating the vast island continent.
Since the start of these devastating fires in September 2019, at least 20 people have died. These fires have also been deadly for wildlife. According to a recent study, they are responsible for the disappearance of almost half a million animals in a single state and it will take decades for wildlife to recover.
Stunning images of thirsty koalas drinking water from bottles held by firefighters or kangaroos completely panicked in the midst of the flames have been around the world.
A study from the University of Sydney estimates that in New South Wales alone, the most affected by the fires, 480 million animals have been killed since September.
BILLIONS ?
In order to arrive at this figure, the researchers cross-checked estimates of the population density of these mammals in that state with the area of vegetation devastated. This number includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats and frogs. The number of animals that have disappeared is likely to be much higher.
Professor Andrew Beattie of Macquarie University said that the number of animal deaths nationwide could therefore be in the billions.
F I N.
