Australia will invest a record $35 million to protect its koala population
One of the world’s most iconic animal species, koalas, have suffered significantly in recent years. Since 2018, Australia’s koala populations have declined by 30 percent due to bushfires, drought, and habitat loss. Thankfully, efforts are underway to reverse that trend and help the marsupial Read More...
Little pygmy possum found after fears they were wiped out by bushfires
When bushfires ravaged Australia’s Kangaroo Island last year, wildlife experts were left concerned about the future of some of its threatened species, including the endemic little pygmy possum. But a recent survey conducted by local conservation groups spells good news for the fate of the tiny Read More...
3D printed tree hollows to serve as homes to Australia’s displaced wildlife
After wildfires ravaged the Australian bush this year and last, a great variety of birds and other small animals were suddenly left without a home as the tree hollows they relied on for habitat were no longer there. Deploying traditional wooden nesting boxes is one way to provide new homes for the Read More...
Australian wildlife park celebrates first koala birth since bushfires
The wildfires in Australia took a devastating toll on native wildlife, specifically koalas. In a sign of hope for the future of these species, the Australian Reptile Park has reported the first birth of a baby koala, also called a joey, since the fires in early 2020. The park made the Read More...
This is Bear, the Australian Koolie dog who saves koalas after bushfires
It wasn’t long ago that bushfires overwhelmed Australia, leaving an estimated 18.6 million hectares (46 million acres) of land charred. But from the ashes, we have since seen stories of hope emerge from Australia, which we have shared to remind us of nature’s resilience. For instance, Read More...
Microgrids are restoring power to rural Australians after the bushfires
For years, the Optimist Daily has been a vocal advocate of microgrids for their ability to provide a reliable, low-cost source of clean energy to local areas. On top of that, microgrids are optimal because they don’t rely on a national grid and can function separately even if a national grid Read More...
Aerial firefighting at night is now possible with new high-altitude drop system
Since 1953, firefighters have been battling flames by flying planes low to the ground and dropping liquids or foams that can suppress fires. When we say low, we mean at between 100 and 120 ft (30 and 36 m). Such basement floor flying is extremely dangerous, but it's necessary because if the liquid Read More...
Firefighters saved an ancient grove of pine trees from Australian bushfires
Amidst the heart-rending wildfires blazing through Australia's vast lands, there is good news coming from the only forest in the world that is home to the Wollemi pine tree--one of the oldest trees in the world. In a covert firefighting mission, this ancient grove of pine trees whose ancestors are Read More...
Australian hospital receives record number of donations to save koalas from extinction
With Australia experiencing a record-breaking drought and harsh bushfires, koala populations have dwindled along with their habitat, leaving them “functionally extinct”. In a bid to save and rehabilitate the injured animals, an Australian koala hospital managed to raise over $1 million from Read More...