Wildlife Safe Tasmania

Tasmania is renowned for its unique and diverse native wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. However, rapid urbanisation, habitat loss, and increasing road traffic pose significant threats to these animals, with hundreds of thousands killed or injured on roads each year. Recognising this urgent challenge, Wildlife Safe Tasmania has emerged as a community-driven initiative dedicated to protecting Tasmania’s wildlife and fostering a culture of care and responsibility among residents and visitors alike.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Wildlife Safe Tasmania is to reduce wildlife fatalities and injuries caused by human activity, particularly on roads, while promoting the rehabilitation and conservation of native species. Its vision is a Tasmania where people and wildlife coexist safely, with communities actively engaged in protecting the natural heritage that makes the island so special.

Main Objectives

• Reduce roadkill through public awareness campaigns, driver education, and advocacy for safer driving practices, especially at night when wildlife is most active.
• Support wildlife rescue and rehabilitation by providing resources, training, and coordination for volunteers and professionals who care for injured or orphaned animals.
• Restore and create habitat by building and distributing nest boxes for species such as possums, microbats, and parrots, helping to compensate for lost natural habitats.
• Engage the community in citizen science, reporting, and local action to monitor wildlife populations and identify high-risk areas for intervention.
• Advocate for wildlife-friendly infrastructure, such as wildlife crossings and virtual fencing, in collaboration with government and local authorities.

Benefiting Groups

Wildlife Safe Tasmania benefits a wide range of stakeholders:

• Native wildlife, including iconic species like Tasmanian devils, wallabies, possums, and rare birds, which are given a better chance of survival and recovery.
• Local communities, who gain a deeper connection to their natural environment and the satisfaction of contributing to conservation efforts.
• Volunteers and wildlife carers, who receive training, support, and opportunities to make a tangible difference in animal welfare.
• Schools and youth groups, engaged through educational programs that foster environmental stewardship from an early age.
• Local businesses and organisations, which can sponsor initiatives, host events, or provide materials, strengthening community ties and corporate social responsibility.

Services and Activities

Wildlife Safe Tasmania delivers a suite of services and activities designed to address the root causes of wildlife harm and empower the community to take action:

• Wildlife rescue coordination: Operating in partnership with organisations like Bonorong Wildlife Rescue, the initiative helps coordinate 24/7 emergency response for injured or orphaned animals, providing advice and connecting callers with trained rescuers.
• Habitat box programs: Collaborating with Men’s Sheds, schools, and local craftspeople, Wildlife Safe Tasmania facilitates the construction and distribution of nest boxes for displaced wildlife, using recycled materials wherever possible to minimise environmental impact.
• Community education and awareness: Through workshops, information sessions, and social media campaigns, the initiative educates the public on safe driving near wildlife, how to assist injured animals, and the importance of habitat conservation.
• Citizen science and reporting: Encouraging the use of apps and community reporting systems to track wildlife sightings and roadkill, generating data to guide conservation strategies and infrastructure improvements.
• Roadside clean-ups and advocacy: Organising volunteer events to remove litter from roadsides and advocating for the installation of wildlife crossings and other protective measures in high-risk areas.
• Partnerships with local government and businesses: Working with councils, road authorities, and enterprises to implement practical solutions and secure funding for wildlife protection projects.

By combining practical action, community engagement, and strategic advocacy, Wildlife Safe Tasmania plays a vital role in safeguarding Tasmania’s wildlife for future generations. Its success relies on the passion and participation of everyday Tasmanians-drivers, carers, volunteers, and advocates-who together make the island a safer place for all its inhabitants.