Upper Hunter wildlife conservation group Aussie Ark is warning of potential 'long lasting' impacts to native wildlife in NSW as a result of widespread flooding in the state.
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The organisation said the flood event is "another blow" to wildlife already struggling following the impact of devastating bushfires in 2019 and 2020.
"The flood waters pose a huge threat to wildlife, and their survival," Aussie Ark said in a statement.
"The quickly rising waters have likely flooded burrows and drowned animals such as wombats and echidnas, while critical food sources will be washed away.
"The destruction of habitat will be huge, and the impacts will be long lasting, with species displaced and placed at greater risk of predation by feral animals, car strike and disease."
Aussie Ark manager of conservation, Hayley Shute, said large amounts of water can be just as devastating to wildlife as intense flames.
"We suspect that thousands of animals will perish or be displaced during this disaster and helping them rebuild will take time," Ms Shute said.
Aussie Ark said people should seek advice from a trained wildlife rescuer or vet if they come across an animal injured, in distress, disoriented, heavily waterlogged, or in an unexpected location.
"If it is safe to do so, contain it in a clean, covered box in a dark, quiet place while waiting for a rescuer or taking it to a wildlife carer or vet," the organisation said.
As well as holding concerns for wildlife across the state, a spokesperson for Aussie Ark said the group holds additional fears for 26,000 trees recently planted at the organisation's Mongo Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in the Richmond Valley Region.
Aussie Ark said rapidly rising flood waters have likely inundated the property, located approximately 20 minutes from the town of Casino, and said the sapling trees planted in November could be damaged by the large volume of water.
Ms Shute said road closures in the area have prevented Aussie Ark staff from accessing the site and the groups has been unable to determine thousands of recently planted trees, including Koala food trees.
"We are anxiously waiting to assess what damage we may have incurred," she said.
