Native animals and plants impacted by this season’s unprecedented bushfires will receive expedited help under the NSW Government’s 2019-2020 immediate response bushfire conservation plan.
Mr Kean said that while we are still determining the full magnitude of the impact on our wildlife and their habitat, what we know is that many of our most vulnerable species have been heavily impacted by these fires and now face a scarcity of food and water, and predation by feral animals.
“While our assessment continues, we are doing what we can to help wildlife during the critical phase immediately after the fires,” Mr Kean said.
“These short-term actions will support the natural recovery process that has already started in some areas.”
The NSW Government’s immediate response includes:
“Additionally, we are planning for the longer-term restoration and recovery of our native animals, plants and landscapes across NSW. This includes protecting the remaining areas of unburnt habitat.
“The NSW Government will continue to update our response as we improve our understanding of the impacts of these unprecedented fires. We will shortly publish a medium-term NSW wildlife and conservation bushfire recovery plan,” Mr Kean said.
Mr Kean said that while we are still determining the full magnitude of the impact on our wildlife and their habitat, what we know is that many of our most vulnerable species have been heavily impacted by these fires and now face a scarcity of food and water, and predation by feral animals.
“While our assessment continues, we are doing what we can to help wildlife during the critical phase immediately after the fires,” Mr Kean said.
“These short-term actions will support the natural recovery process that has already started in some areas.”
The NSW Government’s immediate response includes:
- Supplementary food for endangered species like the brush-tailed rock wallaby and mountain pygmy possums;
- Drinking stations installed for native wildlife;
- Extensive aerial and ground-based feral animal and weed control operation;
- The rescue of six species already taken into captive protection;
- $1 million in emergency funding set aside as part of a $6.5 million investment to support rescue and care of injured wildlife;
- Taronga Conservation Society’s vet and wildlife experts providing front line support for injured animals; and
- Fire severity and habitat mapping to guide rescue and recovery.
“Additionally, we are planning for the longer-term restoration and recovery of our native animals, plants and landscapes across NSW. This includes protecting the remaining areas of unburnt habitat.
“The NSW Government will continue to update our response as we improve our understanding of the impacts of these unprecedented fires. We will shortly publish a medium-term NSW wildlife and conservation bushfire recovery plan,” Mr Kean said.