The unprecedented wildfires that have been ravaging the island-continent for months are making headlines in the international press, as this disaster clearly illustrates the consequences of global warming on Earth—for both humans and animals…
It is in the southeastern part of the country—where the majority of Australians live—that the fire is raging, consuming everything in its path. To date, 8 million hectares have been ravaged across the country, 25 people have died, thousands have been displaced or evacuated, and nearly 2,000 homes have been destroyed. (See here the extent of this disaster across France)
But perhaps the worst part is the number of wild animals that have been wiped out. Estimates now put the death toll at over one billion animals!
This country is home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world, including iconic endemic species such as the kangaroo—the national symbol—the koala, the platypus—that egg-laying mammal—the quokka, and the wombat, to name just a few, as well as a wide variety of insects, reptiles, and birds…
Around 1840, settlers introduced a herd of camels from India to transport their goods before the arrival of the railroad. Later, the herds ran wild and spread throughout the entire territory, posing a problem of predation on wildlife and pollution of water sources. Australia is now believed to be home to the largest population of wild camels. Like other animals and people, they are victims of the devastating wildfire that is spreading and drawing closer to homes as they seek water, fleeing the flames and toxic smoke.
The Australian government, which tends to be on the side of climate skeptics and has massive coal production (it’s the world’s leading exporter), has taken a radical and not very eco-friendly decision aimed at preventing thirsty and starving herds from approaching villages. A culling campaign targeting 10,000 wild camels has been planned, with snipers firing from helicopters! That’s sure to heat things up—if not the climate, then at least people’s tempers!
Nathalie Laulé
