The long road to recovery

Flora lost in fires

Some of Australia’s richest wilderness has been ravaged by bushfires so fierce conservationists now fear it may never fully recover.

Western Australia’s Stirling Range is home to more than 1500 species of plants, at least 87 of which are not found anywhere else in the world, but out-of-control bushfires that burned more than 40,000 hectares in December could alter the delicate ecosystem. Nearly half the park was burned before 200 fire crews brought the flames under control, but now conservationists fear the blaze may have caused irreparable damage. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is conducting an aerial survey of the area to assess the damage, but they say they’ll have to wait until the regrowth begins in spring to know how well the bushland will recover. The