The Australian bushfires of 2023 were one of the worst natural disasters in the country's history, destroying millions of hectares of land and killing or displacing countless animals.
Among the most affected species were the koalas, the iconic marsupials that are already threatened by habitat loss, disease, and climate change.
But despite the odds, some koalas managed to survive the inferno and are now recovering with the help of dedicated veterinarians and wildlife carers.
A new study published in Veterinary Sciences reveals the health risks that these koalas face after the bushfires and how they can be treated and released back into the wild.
The Hidden Dangers of Burns and Smoke Inhalation
One of the main challenges that koalas face after the bushfires is the damage caused by burns and smoke inhalation. According to the study, led by Natasha Speight, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide's School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, koalas suffer from severe footpad burns that impair their ability to climb trees and escape from predators.
The study also found that koalas have a high risk of lung damage due to smoke inhalation, which can lead to respiratory infections and chronic diseases. These conditions can affect the koalas' quality of life and reduce their chances of survival in the wild.
To assess the extent of the injuries and the prognosis of the koalas, the researchers used a scoring system based on the degree of burns on the skin and the footpads, as well as the presence of signs of lung damage.
They found that koalas with higher scores had lower survival rates and longer recovery times.
The Hope for a Better Future
The findings of the study are not only alarming, but also informative for improving koala care during future fire seasons.
The researchers suggest that veterinarians should use the scoring system to prioritize the treatment of koalas with lower scores, as they have a higher chance of recovery and release.
They also recommend that koalas with signs of lung damage should receive antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent infections and complications.
The study also highlights the need for more research on the long-term effects of the bushfires on the koalas' health and population dynamics. The researchers hope that their work will contribute to the conservation of these vulnerable animals and their habitats.
The koalas that survived the bushfires have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability.
They have also received an outpouring of support and sympathy from people around the world, who have donated money, supplies, and time to help them.
With the help of science and compassion, these koalas may have a chance to thrive again in their natural environment.
How You Can Help
If you want to make a difference for these amazing creatures, there are several ways you can contribute to koala conservation initiatives and make a positive impact:
- Symbolically adopt a koala: By adopting a koala, you can support organizations that are actively involved in protecting and rehabilitating them.
- Use your backyard: Find out if koalas live near you by using [My Backyard], an online tool developed by Wildlife Warriors. You can report any sightings or threats you encounter, and help them track their numbers across Australia.
- Donate money or supplies: You can donate money or supplies to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which provides treatment for up to 800 sick and injured koalas every year. You can also donate money or supplies to Australian Koala Foundation, which maps and ranks habitats for koalas using GIS technology, and monitors national population trends using Bob's Map.
- Spread awareness: You can spread awareness about koala conservation by sharing this article with your friends, family, or social media followers. You can also learn more about koala facts from National Geographic, or read about a new biobank project that could help save Australian mammals from extinction
Related Article: Stressed Out: Koalas Can't Bear Humans