Indigenous rangers call for funding to protect remote NT from bird flu
Indigenous ranger groups are calling for more money to help them protect vulnerable bird and animal species from the threat of H5N1 bird flu.
Indigenous ranger groups in Australia's remote Northern Territory are urging the federal government to increase funding to protect vulnerable bird and animal species from the threat of H5N1 bird flu. The groups argue that the current funding is insufficient and that additional resources would allow them to expand their work protecting habitats and monitoring the virus.
Arafura Swamp Rangers coordinator Harry Butler stated that the group is dreading the arrival of H5N1, which he believes is inevitable, even though it has not yet reached the NT. He explained that the wetland, which supports about 300,000 waterbirds, could suffer fatal consequences if the virus spreads. The rangers are also concerned about the health risks to Indigenous communities who hunt waterfowl, as handling infected birds could pose a danger to both people and wildlife.
The Arafura Swamp rangers need additional funding to bolster ecosystems and build resilience against the virus, which would help protect birds and animals from being wiped out.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
