Helping injured wildlife in Australia

As wildfires rage, animals across Australia are fighting for their lives.

Since the blazes began in New South Wales in September, it's been estimated that nearly half a billion animals have been killed or threatened. And as the fires continue to spread, so has the damage to Australia's native animals and their homes.

Australia is experiencing its driest and hottest year on record . And animals who escape the flames and smoke will soon have to deal with habitat destruction and food and water shortages.

The continent is home to more than 300 native species, ranging from marsupials such as kangaroos, koalas and wallabies to egg-laying mammals such as platypuses and echidnas. In addition to the devastating fires, the country is on the brink of an extinction crisis: “Some 34 species and subspecies of native mammals have become extinct in Australia over the last 200 years," Professor Chris Dickman wrote in a statment, "the highest rate of loss for any region in the world.”

But, still, there is hope.

There are actions you can take to help the animals affected by Australia’s wildfires and preserve the country's rich biodiversity.