Bushfires burning across Victoria have destroyed critical wildlife habitat, pushing threatened animals and plants closer to extinction as assessment and rescue efforts remain limited by dangerous conditions.
Active fires have prevented specialist teams from fully accessing affected areas, with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action confirming a complete picture of losses has yet to emerge.
Terrestrial ecologist Don Driscoll said he was particularly concerned for Victoria’s endangered eastern bristlebird population after fires near Mallacoota burned about 60% of its known habitat at Howe Flat. Fewer than 200 birds were believed to remain in the state.
Wildlife rescue group Wildlife Victoria warned the scale and ferocity of the fires likely caused widespread animal deaths, with thousands of flying foxes perishing during extreme heat. Kangaroos, koalas and wallabies made up most rescue reports.
Chief biodiversity officer James Todd said recovery planning would begin once areas were declared safe, including predator control and habitat support. Temporary water points have been installed in Wyperfeld National Park in partnership with the Barengi Gadjin Land Council.
Ecologist Euan Ritchie said animals surviving the fires still faced severe risks from food loss and increased exposure to foxes and cats.
Botanists also fear some plants may already be extinct. David Cantrill said fires near Harcourt may have destroyed the last wild southern shepherd’s purse plants, while other critically endangered species remain under assessment.
Researchers say worsening bushfire frequency and severity are compounding long-term threats to Victoria’s biodiversity.
