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SYDNEY - A bushfire in central western New South Wales may have wiped out hundreds of koalas in one of Australia's largest and most valued colonies.
An animal rescue team arrived in the Pilliga Nature Reserve, 350km northwest of Sydney, on Saturday, but unpredictable conditions have so far prevented a thorough search of the area.
The Pilliga bushfire, which has burnt out 82,400ha, is one of a number of fires in the Coonabarabran area being fought by 200 firefighters.
The area is home to one of Australia's most genetically diverse koala colonies, and wildlife experts estimate the group could number in the thousands. Wind changes have meant specialists from Sydney's Taronga Zoo and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have been unable to carry out an assessment.
"Dozens, if not hundreds of animals could have perished," Taronga spokesman Mark Williams said. Zoo spokeswoman Danielle McGill said it was unlikely the entire koala colony would have been wiped out.
- AAP
