Australian authorities believe that up to half a billion animals might have perished so far in the deadly fires raging through the south of the country.
Koalas are among the worst affected species, as their natural habitat has largely burned up. Scientists say that up to 8,000 specimens (about a third of the total koala population in New South Wales) are likely to have been wiped out.
Temperatures remain in the high 40s in the region, causing ongoing difficulties for firefighting crews.