It’s a sombre start to 2020.
Current fires on Kangaroo Island in South Australian are having a devastating impact on the community, the bushland and the flora and fauna it supports.
The consequences for our project on the Island to save the Kangaroo Island (KI) Dunnart have been heartbreaking. Fires just before Christmas ripped through bushland and the refuge best known for the KI Dunnarts.
Keeping in close communication with our project partners based on the Island, it has been a fearful time, both for their safety and for the fate of the KI Dunnarts.
It was a relief late last week when a text message was received with pictures (shown below) of the KI Dunnarts caught on camera with the caption ‘they survived’.
A remnant unburnt section of bush showed the dunnarts had taken refuge in this area.
At this stage we are unsure of numbers and with fires still burning on the Island, we will keep you as informed as possible as news comes to hand and plans are developed to continue to save and protect the species.
This is only one of many tragedies across the country, as Australia is experiencing a devastating toll from bushfires. On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff, our thoughts and sympathies are with all the all those affected.
Tracy McNamara
Chief Executive Officer
PS: As we gain further information, we will keep you updated immediately on all our projects that are affected.
Photos: courtesy of Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife.