Ecologists in Melbourne fear they are missing the chance to rescue animal species unable to recover from the destructive bush fires earlier this year.

The state’s north east was hardest hit, along with Gippsland, further south. Scientists say because of Covid-19 restrictions, they’re unable to get out and assess how animals are faring amid the destruction, and are worried they’re missing a chance to intervene and save struggling species.

Professor of Zoology at La Trobe University Michael Clarke explains the situation to Lynn Freeman.