Tassie devils

[pazzar]

I can never understand what it is with tasmanians and why they dont love and care for their unique wildlife..I have come to the conclusion that "most" Tasmanians are selfish,greedy and couldnt give a *&%$#! about their heritage..Look what they did to the Thylacine and the Devil will be next...Most wont care, they will continue to wipe out wildlife on our roads,dump rubbish in every beautiful spot..Filthy disgusting scum..I believe Karma will catch up with the Bogan state and its "wonderful caring people"..

Or perhaps we can stop all the labeling and be a state that learns from mistakes. All it takes is a bit of education and we can stop this from happening.

The deaths that have occurred is sad, but the release of these animals was a trial. Whatever comes of it will teach us something, whether it is good or bad. The research team are looking at road alarms that aim to deter devils from roads when vehicles are present. Although we have lost 4 devils, we have already learned something.

[devoswitch]

RichB I agree witht most that you're saying except how you said people are wiping out wildlife on the roads. You think that it's intentional seriously? I kill a few wallaby on the way down from my place as I live on a dirt road for a few km before the main highway. I can't help it, it's simply unavoidable, they jump out at the last moment and slip under the wheels generally. I love animals very dearly and look after every single one I come across.

[pazzar]

All it takes is for us to stop and make sure that if we do hit an animal, we take it off the road. I'm sure there are very few of us that hit animals intentionally. The damage to our vehicles is too high to make a sport of it.

[north-north-west]

I can never understand what it is with tasmanians and why they dont love and care for their unique wildlife..I have come to the conclusion that "most" Tasmanians are selfish,greedy and couldnt give a *&%$#! about their heritage..Look what they did to the Thylacine and the Devil will be next...Most wont care, they will continue to wipe out wildlife on our roads,dump rubbish in every beautiful spot..Filthy disgusting scum..I believe Karma will catch up with the Bogan state and its "wonderful caring people"..

So all Tasmanians are to blame for the actions of any, past, present and future? By that logic there's not a person alive without blood on their hands.

Most Tasmanian roads have forest or scrub right to the verge. It's impossible to see all the wildlife that lurks there, or to avoid them all when they take it into their heads to dash across right under your wheels. Even driving fairly slowly during daylight hours you can't be sure you'll see them in time to react. At night it's infinitely worse.

That said, a lot of the deaths are from trucks rather than passenger cars - and that's another reason so many dead animals are left on the road, which is the main danger for Devils. It's not always practical to stop as there may not be a safe place to do so anywhere near the animal. Even worse with trucks.

As for Thylacines - there are very few of us who were around when the last captive Thylacine died, or when bounties were still being paid. By then the greatest damage was already done to the species. So how the hell can any of us be held responsible? The ongoing loss of habitat is the only thing the current population can be blamed for, and not all of us actually approve of that, you know.

[MickyB]

I can never understand what it is with tasmanians and why they dont love and care for their unique wildlife..I have come to the conclusion that "most" Tasmanians are selfish,greedy and couldnt give a *&%$#! about their heritage..Look what they did to the Thylacine and the Devil will be next...Most wont care, they will continue to wipe out wildlife on our roads,dump rubbish in every beautiful spot..Filthy disgusting scum..I believe Karma will catch up with the Bogan state and its "wonderful caring people"..

I often agree with what RichB says when other's don't but I think this is one weird post.

[corvus]

I can never understand what it is with tasmanians and why they dont love and care for their unique wildlife..I have come to the conclusion that "most" Tasmanians are selfish,greedy and couldnt give a *&%$#! about their heritage..Look what they did to the Thylacine and the Devil will be next...Most wont care, they will continue to wipe out wildlife on our roads,dump rubbish in every beautiful spot..Filthy disgusting scum..I believe Karma will catch up with the Bogan state and its "wonderful caring people"..

I often agree with what RichB says when other's don't but I think this is one weird post.

I totally agree with you.

[Paul]

I can never understand what it is with tasmanians and why they dont love and care for their unique wildlife..I have come to the conclusion that "most" Tasmanians are selfish,greedy and couldnt give a *&%$#! about their heritage..Look what they did to the Thylacine and the Devil will be next...Most wont care, they will continue to wipe out wildlife on our roads,dump rubbish in every beautiful spot..Filthy disgusting scum..I believe Karma will catch up with the Bogan state and its "wonderful caring people"..

Ridiculous rant.

Paul

[flyfisher]

Not the first time, must be an angry person.

Needs help, maybe.

FF

[aloftas]

*sigh*

Guys. Its a forum. People ARE going to hold different views.

The issue is the Devils.

NOT the loosely formed opinions of cliques against others, its bullying.

Ok?


Now, if these people who are doing these releases couldn't have foreseen this, they are the ones who deserve a serve.


Roadkill?

GET IT OFF THE ROADS


Back in my day, we did it if and when they were lying dead on your road frontage.


Its not rocket science.


And neither is tolerance for passion/divergent opinions.


Bigoted freaks, is that how we wish to be seen as?

Lighten up, take some responsibility and let folks have their say without the bleating preening superiority which is evident page after page.

[north-north-west]

aloftas:
There's nothing wrong with passion, we welcome it. There's nothing wrong with divergent views, most of us welcome them. There is something wrong with abusive and pointless rants - which, IMNSHO, is what the post in question was.
Mind, I'm tempted to ask why calling someone out for abuse constitutes a "loosely formed opinion of cliques"? Or . . . errrrr . . . "bleating preening superiority"? The responses to the rant were far more mildly expressed than the rant itself.

As for foreseeing that the released Devils would be in danger from traffic - they obviously knew that and decided the risk was worth it. It's sad that animals had to die to show how much danger they were in, but they'll learn from this and hopefully the next released mob will do better.
It's not like you can stop Devils from moving around, or from eating roadkill. Do you want them all trained to keep off the roads? Or to have people constantly patrolling every road to make sure ALL roadkill is removed as quickly as possible? There's a lot of road out there, a lot of drivers, and it isn't always practical to stop. Plus there are too many people who don't understand the implications of leaving dead animals in place, and some just don't care. And they aren't all locals.

[horsecat]

It's impressive how far they moved in such little time. I wonder if they followed Bakers Road to the Frankford Highway or took a short cut through the pine plantation, either way it's over 10km. Hopefully they all didn't head in same direction, maybe they could hear the traffic knowing there could be food. Anyway there's a dead Tiger Snake on Bakers Road so those concerned might want to go grab that...

[aloftas]

Funny.
It strikes me, that if you have a scavenging carnivore... the first thing you would do, is mitigate the man/wild interface. What would it take for someone (heaven forbid, creating a job...) to daily patrol and remove from the perimeter roads, all roadkill.
Im sure the tourists would appreciate it.
Every ecological intervention has outcomes, some of which are unforseen.

Sorry to be contentious, too folks...

I just think reasoned debate will elucidate the dynamics far better than simple name calling.

Perspective will differ from one to the other.

Anyway, its a beautiful day and lets all be careful bout our fuel stoves this summer ok?

Looks kinda doomy out there.

So....

Group hug.

[MickyB]

It's impressive how far they moved in such little time. ........ either way it's over 10km.

I have read they can travel double this amount in a single night.

[stepbystep]

It's tricky...

Release them remotely(SWNP) and monitoring becomes nigh impossible. I've had problems with this release, and it's timing. Start of school holidays in a NP frequented by bogans at these times.

Like it or not there is an all too large element within society that sees killing wildlife as a sport. Bit of Friday night fun on the way home from the pub. When I was a lad in WA they called it "bunny bashing" clever huh? So it's not just Tassie this happens but there seems to be a larger proportion of rednecks here with access to wildlife Tassie also contains a huge percentage of progressive conservation minded folk, more than any other state, so ridiculous simplification of issues and attitudes is kinda pointless.

Hopefully some survive and lessons are learned....

[horsecat]

No roadkill on The Bakers Road on Sunday (apart from the snake that nobody seems keen to go and collect ) so maybe they are cleaning that road? Might be worth asking the visitors centre?

I wouldn't like to be the bloke employed to keep the Frankford Highway clean though; there's a fair bit of road there. And you'd have to patrol it nightly, not daily, as funnily enough most of the animals who get creamed by cars and trucks cop it of a night, then Mr Devil comes over for a peep and then... Not that I'm saying this is a good outcome but it happens. As for throwing a carcass in the bush when one has unfortunately run an animal over, well there a many areas on that road (and hundreds of others) where it would be simply irresponsible to stop (in the middle of the road) and do so.

have read they can travel double this amount in a single night

Impressive walkers. Their legs would be, I duuno, maybe twenty times shorter than mine, which means I should be able to travel 400km in one night. Geeze, I'm hopeless compared to those guys

[Nuts]

Iv'e met many a bogan, though i'm not sure which particular character trait is being applied here? The serial killer (bogan)?
A truck or wayward tourist would be a first thought, someone hurrying to work maybe.

It is disturbing for tourists vicrev, even mainlanders. Iv'e always suggested (in Tassie) it's more an indication of the abundance of suitable species and numbers, as much as gathering along the roadside as happens with drought or over summer in Oz. The scavengers follow the herbivores.. which are numerous, and as roadkill, prepared just as a hungry, insecure, instinct driven Devil would prefer. When we had lots of Devils (and Quolls) there were a lot dead on the road. I can only think (speculate with little personal insight) these Devils were particularly drawn to the road. That or just bad luck. It sounds like, and i'm sure, the team would understand the constraints and apply solid reasoning.

[vicrev]

Iv'e met many a bogan, though i'm not sure which particular character trait is being applied here? The serial killer (bogan)?
A truck or wayward tourist would be a first thought, someone hurrying to work maybe.

It is disturbing for tourists vicrev, even mainlanders. Iv'e always suggested (in Tassie) it's more an indication of the abundance of suitable species and numbers, as much as gathering along the roadside as happens with drought or over summer in Oz. The scavengers follow the herbivores.. which are numerous, and as roadkill, prepared just as a hungry, insecure, instinct driven Devil would prefer. When we had lots of Devils (and Quolls) there were a lot dead on the road. I can only think (speculate with little personal insight) these Devils were particularly drawn to the road. That or just bad luck. It sounds like, and i'm sure, the team would understand the constraints and apply solid reasoning.

Like you ,Nuts,Ivé met heaps of so called bogans & from all walks of life & other states & countries,they all seem to have one thing in common ,they are inconsiderate,selfish idiots,but,we all know that & are not confined to Tassie ............I do not know how road kill can be avoided (ban cars altogether ?..stupid).some places have tried under-road tunnels at great expense..wishful thinking,as if the animals are going to use it !!...Tassie isn't the only place that has this problem,I have seen roadkill all over the world,I hit a Badger in the UK,try explaining that to a hire car company.......I do not know why people on this forum are getting so uptight with each other over this,why not try & come up with something constructive to solve the problem of roadkill ??? .....

[corvus]

In my almost 50 years of Driving in Tasmania in all conditions and hours I have only had two unfortunate collisions with animals the first with a Bunny in broad day light the second was with a Wallaby on a narrow road at night only a couple of hundred meters from my home doing less than the posted speed limit of 50 km, I had no chance of avoidance nor did the poor wee Roo,really doubt if any one killed those Devils on purpose ,perhaps some signs warning motorist to slow down will be appropriate on these roads.

[MickyB]

Release them remotely(SWNP) and monitoring becomes nigh impossible.

If the trial in Narawntapu National Park is a success do you think they will start to release them into remote areas such as SWNP or is this a long way off? As mentioned monitoring them will be near impossible but minimal human interference should greatly help their cause.

[corvus]

Just a thought would it be feasible to bring carcases into the Park from an early morning road sweep around the area ,might cost a wee bit but not really too many roads to cover IMHO

[stepbystep]

Release them remotely(SWNP) and monitoring becomes nigh impossible.

If the trial in Narawntapu National Park is a success do you think they will start to release them into remote areas such as SWNP or is this a long way off? As mentioned monitoring them will be near impossible but minimal human interference should greatly help their cause.

I think they are planning releases all over the place eventually and another 2 trial sites are set to go. Forestier Peninsular and another site I've forgotten.
All sorts of discussion going on around that human interaction stuff presently. Great to see the positive discussion and lots of people engaging. Gotta save those little guys!! Need to be creative in the ways we try and protect them I suppose...

[pazzar]

Someone spoke on ABC radio last week about an alarm system that is being considered as a trial to deter animals from roadkill hotspots. I don't know the exact details of it, but it sounds like a sensor would be tripped by a vehicle at a point down the road, and an alarm (presuming a high pitch) to scare animals off the road. They said it had been used elsewhere, but I don't know of the exact results.

Would be interested to hear if anyone else knows more on such techniques.

[vicrev]

Someone spoke on ABC radio last week about an alarm system that is being considered as a trial to deter animals from roadkill hotspots. I don't know the exact details of it, but it sounds like a sensor would be tripped by a vehicle at a point down the road, and an alarm (presuming a high pitch) to scare animals off the road. They said it had been used elsewhere, but I don't know of the exact results.

Would be interested to hear if anyone else knows more on such techniques.

Sounds like a goer,anything is worth a try ...

[MickyB]

Thanks for the info Stepbystep.

Someone spoke on ABC radio last week about an alarm system that is being considered as a trial to deter animals from roadkill hotspots. I don't know the exact details of it, but it sounds like a sensor would be tripped by a vehicle at a point down the road, and an alarm (presuming a high pitch) to scare animals off the road. They said it had been used elsewhere, but I don't know of the exact results.

Would be interested to hear if anyone else knows more on such techniques.

Could be something similar to these techniques. http://www.govtech.com/public-safety/Ro ... sions.html Not sure these systems would work well with smaller animals.

LASER TRIPWIRE

Tripwire systems were installed on Ontario's Highway 17 in 2009 and on Highway 6 in 2012, in areas where wildlife are often encountered on roadways. If the system is triggered, yellow lights flash to alert motorists that wildlife is within approximately one mile of the sensor. In the five years before the first system was installed, that area saw 11 collisions, but in the four years since, only one collision has been reported.

RADAR DETECTION

In March 2012, the MTO installed a new system, called the Large Animal Warning and Detection System (LAWDS) on Highway 416 that uses radar, instead of lasers, to detect large animals. In early 2013, a second radar system was installed on Highway 138. The system backend provides operators with a map of the road, indicating where the animal was detected. The map is updated once per second. In addition to addressing many of the problems caused by laser tripwires, the system also provides operators with information about traffic, such as speed and volume, or even whether a vehicle is a car or truck.

Initial results from the radar system show that traffic speed is reduced by 15 percent when the system is active.

[vicrev]

Congrats pazzar,MickyB , good constructive research,makes a nice change... ...

[Nuts]

Ripple strips & signage being used on Tarkine Drive: http://www.chchronicle.com.au/causing-a-rumble-16621/

[RichB]

Selfish,greedy rednecks more concerned with themselves and their possessions than the 100% pure endangered Tasmanian the Devil...soon to become extinct..

[vicrev]

Ripple strips & signage being used on Tarkine Drive: http://www.chchronicle.com.au/causing-a-rumble-16621/

Absolutely amazing,we have speed humps all over the country & 40 k limit in school zones to protect our children from morons nationwide, our national fauna treasures ?...............................Zilch !! ...& when someone tries to do something about it?..moan, moan ..

[Nuts]

Really Rich? Can't manage a Wag Bag or bit of photographic discretion, who are the elite to blame?
It wasn't a set up (in choosing news grabs), i'd heard about these ripple strips and hadn't read further myself. My thoughts were relatively positive. Apparently, unsurprisingly , the 'locals' may be as equally concerned about tourist traffic.. and local wildlife.. and being safe.. http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/333 ... ing-tyres/

[corvus]

I may be naive about this and suspect that not being a resident in the area I am not sympathetic towards them and ask at what speeds are they doing that damages their Tyres over the Ripple Strips ?