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Published 00:15 IST, October 31st 2019

Tragic beyond words: Australia bushfire claims over a hundred Koalas

Wildlife authorities on October 30 informed global media that due to fires, hundreds of genetically diverse Koalas have perished to death

Reported by: Pragya Puri
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The uncontrolled bushfires with blazing flames at Australia's east coast have caused global distress. The wildlife authorities on October 30, informed the global media that due to the fires, hundreds of genetically diverse Koalas have perished. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital which is responsible for taking care of the Koalas declared it a national tragedy. 

Hundreds of diverse Koala perish due to bushfires

A lightning strike on October 27 instigated a bushfire in an area that is critical to the unique Koala population, which is 400km north of Sydney. The fire destroyed over 2,000 hectares and continues to intensify. As per records, it is predicted that around 350 genetically diverse Koalas perished in the bushfire in the southern region of Port Macquarie. The local authorities have deployed fire services and rescue operations to safely rescue the Koalas, however, the blazing flames, continue to keep the area inaccessible. The staff of the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie also reported that it is difficult to access and monitor the region due to intense flames, thereby isolating the area. 

READ: Koala DNA Affected By Retrovirus Shows In Evolution In Action

Firefighters continue to battle bushfires

Koala Hospital Port Macquarie posted a distressing video on Facebook reflecting on the devastating fires. The post read, “Our region has been hit by devastating fires which have decimated prime koala habitat. We will be starting search and rescue of the fire grounds possibly tomorrow.” The post also read that firefighters continue to fight the blazing fire. The Authorities informed international media that there are 70 fires in different regions of New South Wales which continue to burn. The Fire services are using air-tankers to battle the fire. In the latest media update, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service said that the fire will continue to burn but there are resources deployed in the area to protect the property. There are firefighting teams from other regions that will also progress to help the New South Wales firefighters. 

READ: Baby Koala Clings On Dog Mistaking It For Mother, Netizens In Awe

READ: This Viral Video Of Thirsty Koala Drinking Water From A Bottle Will Melt Your Heart

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14:25 IST, October 30th 2019