Victoria's native wildlife affected by widespread fires

Over 400,000 hectares have burned across multiple regions of Victoria, and the state's heavily cleared landscape limits available habitat for displaced native species.

Victoria has experienced widespread bushfires that have burned an estimated 400,000 hectares across several regions, including the Wimmera-Mallee, the Otways, central, northeast and eastern Victoria. The fires have affected many types of native plants and animals across diverse habitats. Because Victoria is the most cleared state in Australia, unburnt habitat is limited and the landscape is fragmented. This will influence how wildlife and ecosystems recover over time. Key facts: - An estimated 400,000 hectares have burned across northwest, southwest, central, northeast and eastern (including alpine) regions. - Victoria's status as the most cleared Australian state reduces available unburnt habitat for displaced animals. - Fire can remove tree hollows and logs that many species need, and ash and debris washed into waterways can harm fish, crayfish and amphibians. - After fires, invasive predators such as feral cats and foxes can more easily hunt in more open areas, and agencies plan surveys and management responses once it is safe. Summary: These fires have immediate and potentially long-lasting effects on native species because key habitat elements are limited in Victoria. Government agencies, scientists and wildlife carers will assess fire severity and conduct population surveys to inform management. Timelines for recovery are undetermined at this time.