Bob Brown Foundation calls for change after photos of burnt devil emerge
Harrowing images of a Tasmanian devil allegedly burned alive in a logging burn has sparked renewed calls to stop the logging of state forests. *WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES*
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Harrowing images of a burnt Tasmanian devil, which allegedly fell victim to a Sustainable Timbers Tasmania logging burn, have sparked renewed calls to cease the burning and logging of Tasmanian forests.
The images were captured by a bushwalker, who passed them on to the Bob Brown Foundation.
Bob Brown Foundation campaign manager Jenny Weber said the fires were dangerous and unnecessary.
“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 underway,” Ms Weber said.
“Every snail, lizard, possum, quoll, and devil that does not escape in time is burnt to a cinder.”
Wildlife veterinarian Colette Harmsen said the devil pictured appeared to be young.
“The photo of this charred devil, it looks like a juvenile, burned by the Forestry Tasmania operation, shocked us,” Dr Harmsen said.
“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.”
The Bob Brown Foundation called for Sustainable Timbers Tasmania to stop its logging and burning operations.
The Tasmanian Greens have echoed the call.
“The photos that are circulating of a young devil that was burned alive by a Forestry Tasmania logging burn are gut-wrenching, harrowing,” Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff said.
“A state owned company is incinerating critically endangered species every day.
“We can’t continue this incredibly destructive activity.”
Sustainable Timber Tasmania conservation and land management general manager Suzette Weeding said the government business enterprise, Sustainable Timbers Tasmania undertook burning operations at the Wentworth forest block last week.
“Prior to conducting a planned burning operation, site checks are completed on the ground to look at weather conditions, soil dryness and any activity at the coupe,” Ms Weeding said.
“If site conditions are not met, burns are postponed until suitable conditions prevail.”
Ms Weeding said planning work was undertaken prior to the burn.
“No Tasmanian devil dens were identified during this process or found during subsequent harvesting operations,” she said.
Ms Weeding was asked if the activity would be halted in light of the photos, but she declined to comment.
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