Big Dry on the Land
Australia’s eastern interior is turning from a lush green paradise to almost a desert because a season‑long arid spell—known locally as the “big dry”—has taken over. The drought has left farmers sweating, wildlife scrambling, and the road‑side scenery looking less like a rainbow and more like a burnt canvas.
When Kangaroos Cry Hard
Rick Kingsford from the University of New South Wales warns that “kissing the ground” has become a literal affair for kangaroos. He tells AFP that massive populations of these marsupials are dying across the country, and the climate’s speed of change is outpacing how quickly they can adapt.
Farmers, Parking, and the Great Exodus
While governments are steering more aid toward drought‑hit farms, conservationists raise a vital point: the natural world is also in desperate need. Drought isn’t the orphan in Australia’s story. Human routines, pets that shouldn’t be there, and shrinking water sources add pressure on species that simply can’t keep up.
Joey Rescues: A New Trend
- Racheal Walker, a life‑saving wildlife rescuer, reports a steep rise in kangaroo joey admissions in central‑west New South Wales.
- Abandoned infants—weed or “malnourished”—are left behind because their mothers can’t find anything to eat, or because the babies were run over by cars while scrounging for scraps.
When Sun Hits the Wrong Eye
Wallabies, naturally comfy in shade, are now pushed into open paddocks in a desperate search for food. According to Walker, the bright sun is literally roasting their eyes, which explains why dark‑eyed wallabies feel like a carnival of bad eyesight.
Koalas on the Move
As eucalyptus trees dry up, koalas keep on trekking for their favourite leaf meal—only to find themselves at the mercy of dogs and cars.
Spiny Roadkill: Echidnas
During the mating season, echidnas venture onto roads, turning them into a graveyard of spiny anteaters.
Numbers That Matter
- WIRES recorded a 52% increase in macropods rescued between 2016 and this year.
- Wombats saw an eye‑watering 81% jump.
- In remote areas, the toll likely climbs higher.
Population Crash in NW NSW
Kingsford notes a staggering collapse: the kangaroo population dropped by over 90% in Northwest NSW.
Driving Dilemmas and “Green Pockets”
In Booligal, where rain fell at a 75% deficit, farmers Matt and Sandra Ireson noticed an “increasing congregation” of kangaroos and emus weaving near roadways, chasing the so‑called “green pick” – a few stubborn sprouts that bloom like a green oasis after a rare shower.
This has led to a 20% spike in wildlife traffic collisions over the past three years, so Sandra has started coaching young farmers on “drought‑driving” tactics.
And the Big‑Kangaroo Lesson
These gigantic creatures, up to 2 metres tall and 90 kg heavy, can cause massive vehicular damage. Ireson explains: “You don’t want to hammer them on the road, but if you’re sure you’re going to damage the vehicle, you might as well stop. The priority is to stop a catastrophic crash, even if it means the animal might get bruised.”
Living With Wildlife: The Good Side
Alison McLean runs “The Long Paddock” tourism project, urging tourists to spot wildlife safely. “They’re getting closer and we can now see 30‑plus emus stroll past us—great photo opportunities as long as we keep it safe,” she says. She even mentions two echidnas that now live outside her yard.
Looking Toward Policy, Hope, and Protecting the Outback
While the drought shows no signs of ending, Kingsford urges the government to consider restrictions on farm livestock grazing in national parks. The goal? Give wildlife a chance to resume the food source it has had during these harsh dry spells.
