How WIRES is supporting wildlife as temperatures are set to rise

seventh August 2026

How WIRES is supporting wildlife as temperatures are set to rise

As Australia seems to be forward to spring and summer time, WIRES is getting ready early for a doubtlessly difficult season for native wildlife. Present seasonal outlooks point out an elevated probability of hotter than common situations throughout a lot of the nation, and broader local weather forecasts are additionally pointing to the potential of drier situations in elements of Australia as El Nino influences develop.

Whereas no forecast can predict precisely how the months forward will unfold, heatwaves, bushfires and prolonged dry durations can place important strain on wildlife, rescuers, carers and communities. For WIRES, getting ready early is a crucial a part of guaranteeing we will reply as safely and successfully as doable when native animals need assistance.

What the outlook is telling us

The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that temperatures are more likely to be above common throughout many elements of Australia within the coming months. El Nino situations are sometimes related to hotter, drier situations that have an effect on individuals, landscapes and wildlife.

Excessive warmth, lowered entry to water and shelter, habitat loss, fires and smoke can all result in elevated stress in wildlife and a better variety of animals needing pressing help.

What this may imply for wildlife

During times of maximum warmth, animals can rapidly grow to be dehydrated, exhausted or disoriented. Birds could also be seen with open beaks or holding their wings away from their our bodies. Possums, gliders and koalas could come to the bottom searching for cooler situations. Kangaroos and wallabies could also be reluctant to maneuver, and reptiles could search refuge in cooler, darker locations. Flying foxes are significantly weak throughout extended warmth occasions, and huge numbers of animals will be affected on the similar time.

Bushfires and fire-affected landscapes can create extra dangers. Wildlife could undergo burns, smoke inhalation, dehydration, hunger, displacement, or lack of shelter. Animals may additionally transfer onto roads, into backyards, sheds, swimming pools, or different unfamiliar areas whereas looking for security, meals or water.

Gray-headed flying foxes affected by warmth stress

How WIRES is getting ready

WIRES is getting ready early by strengthening response capability throughout our rescue community, Wildlife Rescue Workplace and emergency groups. New phone responders are being skilled to ensure we’re outfitted and prepared for prime name volumes within the months to come back.

Our full-time Emergency Responders, outfitted with Wildlife Ambulances throughout New South Wales, and in Tasmania and Southern Queensland, reply to essential rescues and will be deployed to disaster-affected areas when extra assist is required. WIRES has additionally established Volunteer Emergency Response Groups, made up of specifically skilled volunteers who can help throughout main incidents.

Forward of fireplace season, WIRES is supporting volunteers with preparedness and evacuation steerage, significantly for carers in rural or higher-risk areas. Educated and vaccinated bat volunteers are additionally working with native councils to establish flying-fox colonies and put together for heat-stress occasions, which might have an effect on giant numbers of animals directly.

Throughout emergencies, WIRES’ Incident Administration Groups work alongside the Wildlife Rescue Workplace to prioritise calls, coordinate rescue efforts and liaise with emergency companies, veterinary clinics, the Bureau of Meteorology and different wildlife organisations. Via the WIRES Catastrophe Aid Program, supported by Main Associate Woolworths, wildlife meals, rescue provides and tools may also be distributed to affected carers and communities.

King parrot consuming – Image credit score David C Simon

How one can assist wildlife in scorching climate

Your assist could make an actual distinction to wildlife throughout excessive climate, however your security should at all times come first. By no means enter energetic or lately burnt hearth grounds to seek for wildlife, and at all times observe official emergency recommendation.

• Offering small bowls of fresh water in secure places, with sticks or stones positioned inside so small animals can climb out, can help animals looking for water.
• Maintaining cats contained and canine underneath management can assist wildlife transfer by means of properties safely.
• Don’t pour water into an animal’s mouth, as this may trigger them additional hurt.
• If you happen to discover sick, injured, orphaned, heat-stressed or fire-affected wildlife, contact WIRES on 1300 094 737.

Some animals, together with snakes, flying-foxes, microbats, giant kangaroos, raptors and displays, require specialist dealing with. Maintain a secure distance and name WIRES for recommendation and help.

WIRES is working to make sure wildlife receives well timed and acceptable assist when it’s wanted essentially the most.

For extra info on methods to assist wildlife in excessive warmth, go to our Excessive Warmth Wildlife Factsheet.