Over one billion animals were killed in the 2019-20 Australian bushfires, but it is not known how many additional animals were injured and taken into care, nor their subsequent fate. Researchers will analyze data collected by wildlife caregivers throughout the 2019-20 Australia bushfires. Data will be used to help determine the susceptibility of different marsupial species to wildfire injury. Fire-affected kangaroos and possums will be tracked after rehabilitation to establish factors associated with survival after release. Findings will clarify which species may be at greatest risk during fire seasons and provide best practice guidelines in the rescue, care and release phases of rehabilitation to improve marsupial survival and conservation.
Study ID
D21ZO-510
Study Status
Active
Start Date
11/01/2020
Grant amount awarded
$147,986
Grant recipient
University of Sydney
Study country
Australia
Investigator
Catherine Herbert, PhD
Study category
General Health