A federal government assessment of more than 2,000 native species has found almost 400 Australian animals, including penguins, dolphins, fur seals and the Tasmanian devil, are at high risk or worse from the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus.
Key facts
- Almost 400 native Australian bird and mammal species assessed as at high risk or worse from H5N1 bird flu.
- The assessment covered more than 2,000 native species, with nearly one in five judged at high risk.
- At-risk animals include species of penguins, fur seals, quolls, dolphins, more than 300 birds and the Tasmanian devil.
- High risk means species could suffer a severe reduction in population size or viability, or worse.
- The findings come from a federal government assessment, according to the Guardian.
Almost 400 native Australian bird and mammal species have been assessed as being at a high risk u2013 or worse u2013 from the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, a federal government assessment has revealed, according to the Guardian.
The assessment examined more than 2,000 native species and found that nearly one in five were at high risk from the virus. Among those identified as facing serious danger were parrots, fur seals and quolls.
Some of Australiau2019s most beloved animals are included in the list of species considered at least high risk. These span species of penguins, fur seals, quolls, dolphins, more than 300 birds and the Tasmanian devil.
According to the Guardian, being classified as high risk means a species could suffer a u201csevere reduction in population size or viabilityu201d u2013 or worse u2013 if the virus reached it.
The scale of the assessment prompted descriptions of the u201ctrue extent of disasteru201d that H5N1 could pose to Australian wildlife, underscoring the breadth of animals potentially affected across birds and mammals.
The federal government assessment provides a broad picture of vulnerability, with more than 300 bird species alone among those flagged as at least high risk.
Why it matters
H5N1 bird flu has spread widely among wildlife around the world, and this assessment signals the potential threat to hundreds of Australian species if the virus arrives. The inclusion of iconic animals such as penguins, dolphins and the Tasmanian devil highlights the possible scale of ecological and conservation consequences.
Frequently asked questions
How many Australian species are at risk from bird flu?
According to the Guardian, a federal government assessment of more than 2,000 native species found almost 400 bird and mammal species at high risk or worse from H5N1, roughly one in five of those assessed.
Which animals are among those at risk?
The at-risk species include penguins, fur seals, quolls, dolphins, parrots, more than 300 birds and the Tasmanian devil.
What does 'high risk' mean in this assessment?
The Guardian reports that a high risk classification means a species could suffer a severe reduction in population size or viability, or worse, if the virus reached it.