Saving wildlife on Bruny Island's roads

Having observed increased numbers of a range of native animals killed on Bruny Island's roads in recent years, I participated in a survey of wildlife road kill numbers that confirmed our observations.

A virtual fencing trial conducted in 2020 and 2021 on the Cloudy Bay road heading towards Cloudy Bay beach, found that there were 141 native animals killed in 2020 and a 25% increase in roadkill to 190 animals in 2021. Animals killed during this survey included Bennett's wallabies, Pademelons, Brush-tailed possums, Native hens, a Tawny Frogmouth, Black Swan, and a Tiger Snake.

This level of roadkill, predominantly of wallabies and possums, has led to secondary mortality of raptors. What we have seen on other parts of Bruny Island have included deaths of Pied Oystercatchers at the wildlife zone near neck beach, Echidnas, Potoroos, Silver Gulls and Forest Ravens. Tragically even the death of the endangered Eastern Quoll - particularly in North Bruny - is not an uncommon sight.

These beautiful creatures are nocturnal and often can be seen on or along the edges of the road at dusk, so particular care needs to be taken in fading light and at night.

Unfortunately this has led to multiple examples of roadkill at this spot. White-bellied sea eagles, Peregrin Falcons, Swamp Harriers and Brown Falcons are seen here frequently feeding off the roadkill, and tragically even a White-Bellied Sea Eagle has been killed at this location. The raptors take time to gain height and generally fly along the corridor of the road until sufficient height is attained or a break in the fringing foliage appears.

If you are travelling even at 60kph – which is the speed limit – it leaves little room for the bird to fly away in time. There is in my opinion no sensible reason to have the speed limit of 80km/h on the dangerous dirt and gravel road to Cloudy Bay Beach. I propose slowing the traffic down to 60km/h during the day and 50 km/h standard at night. Dropping the high speed limits would no doubt lead to a decrease in vehicle / wildlife interactions and improve the prognosis of rescued animals.

Everybody needs to slow down on Bruny Island’s roads.

People sometimes say in relation to roadkill, “You can’t avoid everything.” Yes - a fraction of roadkill is unavoidable – but we can reduce it massively, by driving slowly, watching carefully, being mindful of natural biodiversity hotspots like watercourses. Try to avoid driving at night. The speed limits should be reduced - and you don't have to drive at the current limit which is too high. Dirt roads should be 50kph. Concentrate. Be aware of the environment you are driving through.

If you are driving and happen upon a raptor on roadkill – stop – pull off the road - put on your hazard lights, wait until the animal is clear, and then remove the roadkill – ensuring you don’t dispose of it near powerlines or fence wires as raptors find these very hard to see.

If you can – you should also pouch-check the dead animal for any young and call Bonorong wildlife sanctuary for assistance if there is a joey.

The Bruny Island community really cares about our unique place as a refuge for rare and threatened wildlife with a richness and diversity that is rare in today's world. We invite you to join these efforts.

Some great resources and more reading:

Sharing the road with wildlife - resource from the Kingborough council

Bonorong Wildlife Rescue Service

Below is a wonderful documentary on the issue of roadkill on Tasmanian roads, featuring Ruth Waterhouse, a sculpter and passionate advocate for wildlife:

ABC Documentary - Roadkill Warriors