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It’s no secret that our wildlife is paying the price for our inaction on climate change and in a multitude of ways.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimated that the 2019-2020 bushfires killed 1.25 billion animals and by March 2022, the Queensland and New South Wales floods had killed thousands of animals. As if this weren’t enough, the habitat loss that occurs as a result of natural disasters means that even more animals are displaced, impacted and die in the aftermath.
Species under threat
Research has suggested that climate change is threatening Australia’s largest glider, the greater glider. The temperature rise has placed the greater glider under physiological stress and is believed to have decreased the nutritional value of eucalyptus leaves- their primary food source. This marsupial has now been classified as ‘vulnerable’ and is extinct in some areas of the country.
Our beautiful Great Barrier Reef is also victim to increasing temperatures and has undertaken repeated severe bleaching events. An increase of 1 degree Celsius for four weeks can trigger bleaching- giving more importance to the 1.5 degree goal. Not only can the coral die, but many of the reef’s residents are now vulnerable, including the dugong and the manta ray.
And, the world’s first believed mammalian extinction due to climate change occurred right in our backyard. In 2019 the Bramble Cay melomys were officially declared extinct in Australia. The dramatic sea level rises due to climate change destroyed the habitat of small rodents ultimately contributing to their extinction, and at this rate, it is unlikely to be the last.
Bramble Cay Melomys Image Attribution: State of Queensland Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bramble-cay-melomys.jpg
What can you do to help?
While we can’t bring back the melomys, we can act to protect our remaining wildlife and their ecosystems.
We need to conserve their remaining habitats. How can you help? You can oppose any local clearing of wetlands or bushland and participate in or campaign for local environment restoration projects. But you can start small by replacing your boring green lawn with different native plants. Just watch and listen as your new ‘boarders’ move in! And don’t forget to put out a dish of water to help our animals in the heat.
While very brave, it’s generally not recommended for untrained personnel to rush into floods and fires to rescue wildlife. These animals are scared, wild and a danger to others and themselves if handled inappropriately. Instead support organisations leading the charge (WWF Australia, RSPCA, WIRES) with money or materials. You can also donate to or volunteer with Vets for Climate Action to support climate action in the veterinary profession as well as the continued advocacy for animals.
However, the utmost priority is to transition away from fossil fuels. We need to push our Government and ourselves to take fast and strong actions to slow climate change. If we don’t we’re dooming our wildlife to a horrible fate of our own making.
Regina is a final year veterinary student at the University of Adelaide and a volunteer with Vets for Climate Action. She was born in country Victoria and would like to work in rural mixed practice in Victoria upon graduation. In doing so, Regina hopes to continue to contribute to climate action and advocate for sustainability while also following her passion in treating animals of all shapes and sizes. In 2023, Regina's research project 'Is biomedical research driving a monkey business?' was published in the Journal of One Health, of which she was the primary author. In her spare time, Regina enjoys yoga, reading and bushwalking.
Zoetis supporting the mental health of veterinarians, practice staff and nurses, as they work with their communities. Zoetis, the leading animal health business, has reached its goal of raising $100,000 for the Beyond Blue Support Service to support mental health...
