Stafford has voiced concerns over the conditions that will face animals in the aftermath of the fire. With habitats reduced to ashes, many animals find themselves displaced, while others return to charred landscapes where food is scarce.

“In the coming weeks, animals will emerge, only to find conditions worsening,” Stafford shared with SBS News. “Our hope is to intervene early and provide aid now that some roads have reopened.”

The challenges are compounded when extreme events affect multiple regions simultaneously, making it difficult to source fodder from areas that have been spared from the devastation.

Proactively planning for protected fodder reserves is a crucial strategy, Stafford emphasized, as it is one of the most practical and effective measures to ensure the welfare of livestock amidst current and future environmental challenges.

Concerns for livestock

“These risks are amplified when extreme events occur across multiple regions altogether at once, limiting the ability to source fodder from unaffected areas.”

“Planning protected fodder reserves ahead of extreme weather is one of the most practical and effective ways to safeguard livestock welfare under current and future conditions.”