Since September, Australia has been ravaged by fires that have killed 26 people and reduced to ashes nearly 80,000 km2 across the country, an area almost equivalent to the island of Ireland.
These fires have also been deadly for wildlife. According to a recent study, they have been responsible for the disappearance of nearly half a billion animals since September in the only state of New South Wales, the most affected by fires.
Read >> Australia: population trapped in flames and devastated biodiversity, solidarity is organized
Researchers at the University of Sydney have estimated that one billion animals have been killed across the country. This figure includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects or invertebrates.
Overwhelming images of thirsty koalas drinking water from bottles held by firefighters or kangaroos totally panicked in the midst of the flames have been around the world.
Read >> Fires in Australia: chronicle of a predicted disaster
This crisis has focused on climate change responsible, according to scientists, for this fire season more intense, long and early than ever. Australia has not yet entered the period which usually corresponds to the high fire season.
The Australian government has been singled out, accused of failing to respond to this crisis and failing to take the necessary environmental measures. Conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged to donate 1.2 billion euros in tax revenue to a national fund to help victims of fires.
With AFP
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