Article
Devil Apparently Incinerated by Logging Burn
Media release – Bob Brown Foundation, 27 March 2023
Shocking photos of Tasmanian Devil apparently burned to death by Forestry Tasmania
The Bob Brown Foundation has been given devastating photos of a Tasmanian devil which appears to have been burned to death by a government-sanctioned logging burn on 21st March. The photos were given to the foundation by an experienced bushwalker who wants to remain anonymous.
Unfortunately, the carcass was removed overnight, presumably by animal scavengers. That will lead to pro-logging scepticism about it but we have published it because we believe it is as authentic as it is dreadful. A report about the dead devil has been sent to the Forest Practices Authority.
“This is the first time that we have had photographic evidence of the carnage to animals caught up in the annual autumn firebombing of native forests, as is now under way. Nothing lives through these dangerous and unnecessary fires, lit by napalm-like incendiaries dropped from helicopters. Every snail, lizard, possum, quoll, and devil that does not escape in time is burnt to a cinder,” said Jenny Weber, Bob Brown Foundation Campaigns Manager.
“The photo of this charred devil – it looks like a juvenile – burnt by the Forestry Tasmania operation, shocked us. There is no telling how many Tasmanian devils and other endangered species have died as a direct result of forestry Tasmania’s archaic native forest logging and burning practices,” said Dr Colette Harmsen, wildlife veterinarian.
“Tasmanian devils play a crucial role in keeping the local environment in balance. There will be widespread ecosystem dysfunction if they go extinct. Every risk to Tasmanian devil numbers must be challenged – including habitat loss, roadkill and any practice that threatens devil populations,” Dr Colette Harmsen said.
Bob Brown Foundation is calling for an immediate halt to the logging and burning of Tasmania’s native forests.
The devil was photographed in the southern Central Highlands of Tasmania, in a logging area named WW032D by Forestry Tasmania. The devil is no longer in the spot it was photographed, presumably because scavenging wildlife removed it.
Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Environment spokesperson, 27 March 2023
Devil Photos Demonstrate Devastation of Logging Burns
Shocking photos of a Tasmanian devil that appears to have been incinerated by a Forestry Tasmania logging burn again highlights the destruction and suffering of this unnecessary practice.
This is what the biodiversity crisis looks like under Forestry Tasmania’s management, with all life post-logging burnt alive.
Given the huge tracts of land burned by Forestry Tasmania every year, it was always obvious native wildlife would be obliterated. But seeing these harrowing photos of a charred young devil are a stark reminder of the everyday reality in autumn.
This is photographic evidence of an iconic and threatened Tasmanian species being burnt to a crisp in its own home.
Forestry Tasmania’s logging burns are carbon-emitting bombs, with enormous climate impacts. They cause serious health effects for people with respiratory disorders, and lost productivity for local businesses. Despite widespread evidence of avoidable harm, the Liberals insist on continuing this destructive policy.
Tasmania’s forests should be a safe haven for our insects, mammals, lizards and birds, but instead they’re being logged and burned. In a climate and biodiversity crisis this is a crime against nature.
We expect the Liberals will see these photos and do nothing. They have never yet shown they understand the value of Tasmania’s unique, carbon rich native forests or our wildlife.
We hope that by drawing attention to this awful situation, even more Tasmanians will understand the true cost of native forest logging and join the growing number of people from all walks of life calling for it to end.
Editor’s note: Please scroll down if you wish to see the photos. Some people may find them disturbing.
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