The total includes animals displaced because of destroyed habitats and which now face a lack of food and shelter or the prospect of moving to already occupied habitats.

Researchers said the destruction will see some species become extinct before their existence is even recorded.

"We don't even know what we are losing," said Chris Dickman, professor in ecology at the University of Sydney.

"These were species that were here and now they have gone... It's almost too tragic to think about."

After years of drought made the Australian bush unusually dry, the country battled one of its worst-ever bushfire seasons from September through March, causing 34 human deaths and nearly 3,000 homes lost.

Reuters