The Massive Australian Bushfires Didn't Kill It: This Species Has Evolved Fire Resistance

Australia has a vibrant pink slug that was previously only found on a single mountain. Many people are concerned that forest fires have destroyed much of its habitat, potentially leading to the extinction of this slug species, but surprisingly, this slug survived the destructive forest fires.

This vibrant pink slug has evolved abilities to cope with fires. Image source | CNN

This unique and remarkable creature only lived on the isolated and inactive volcanic hillside of Mount Kaputa in New South Wales. This slug is called the Kaputa Mountain slug, named after the location where it was discovered.

Park rangers from New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service discovered approximately 60 Kaputa Mountain slugs still alive after the recent rainfall.

Previously, ecologists at the University of Sydney estimated that around 50 million animals in New South Wales were affected by the forest fires.

The Kaputa Mountain slug is approximately 20cm long, and was not previously studied until 2013 when it was confirmed as a new species. Researchers previously considered it a variant of the Red Triangle slug found in New South Wales.

Talking about slugs, ecological senior research scientist Frank Cole at the Australian Museum told the media: "Kaputa National Park is the habitat of about 20 species of slugs and snails, a threatened ecological community. These slugs, like many other species, have evolved ways to deal with fire. If they encounter fire, they retreat to protective fissures, such as rock fissures. Although their main food, fungi and lichens, are affected by fire, they will quickly regrow once the fire stops."

Currently, Kaputa National Park remains closed to the public due to the damage caused by the forest fires.