Protecting Tasmania’s Wildlife with Elleke Leurs

Celebrated for its pristine wilderness, the island state of Tasmania faces a growing challenge in protecting its diverse wildlife. "Tasmania should be considered as one large national park, because we have the luxury of an abundance of wildlife much greater than most places. And unfortunately, with the growing infrastructure, roadkill is a consequence of habitat loss," explains Elleke Leurs, Premier Travel Tasmania guide. 

Image credit: Premier Travel Tasmania

Her passion for conservation grew during her PhD research. "I have always been really, really sad to see all the wildlife being killed and nothing being done about it," she says. Roadkill affects not only the animals hit but also scavengers like quolls and Tasmanian Devils who predate on carcasses on the side of the road and are also at risk of getting hit.

Elleke co-founded Wildlife Safe Tasmania to engage the community in wildlife protection. "We created it to get community members together and to grow awareness of the problem and of best practices in dealing with roadkill scenarios. If people are more aware, it increases the chance they stop for roadkill and check the pouches," she says. The initiative encourages small actions, from reporting incidents to leaving water out for wildlife.

Image credit: Wildlife Safe Tasmania

She shares the story of Buster, a sick Tasmanian Devil found alone and saved through community action. After treatment at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, he was released into a soft-release pen built by volunteers. "He was initially shy to leave the enclosure, but then he took off. It was very special and emotional to see this little Joey now a beautiful, strong boy with shiny, beautiful fur," Elleke recounts.

"It takes a village to raise a devil," she says. "That's what we're trying to do - connect, inform, educate, and empower people, to show that everybody can play a role in maintaining Tasmania's reputation as one of the world's great destinations for wildlife."