Australia's bushfires brought 113 species closer to extinction

February 12, 2020 - Australia has identified 113 animal species which need “urgent help”after their populations and habitats were devastated by recent bushfires.

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Nineteen mammals, 13 birds, 20 reptiles, 17 frogs, five invertebrates, 22 crayfish and 17 fish species have been identified as the animals most in need of assistance in coming weeks and months.

But almost all species on the list had lost at least 30% of their habitat due to the large blazes in the south and east over Australia's summer.

The list, drawn up by the government's Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel, includes species such as the Kangaroo Island dunnart and Pugh’s frog, both of which are “at imminent risk of extinction”.

Last month, Australia pledged A$50m ($33m) to wildlife and habitat recovery. Money will be spent on animal treatment, food drops and pest animal control programmes.