Threats

Whilst there are a number of reserves in the Tarkine that provide the Tarkine with some level of conservation protection – there are still many serious threats to the Tarkine’s natural values and future. Even though the Tarkine has well recognised international significance, less than 5% of the Tarkine is properly protected as a National Park.

Magnificient parts of the Tarkine’s forests are threatened by destructive logging practices, illegal 4wd use is damaging Aboriginal middens and dune systems, and proposals to establish new mines threaten the Tarkine’s long-term future. Read on for more information.

A refuge for the Devil

The Tarkine is the home to the last disease free population of the Tasmanian Devil. The Tasmanaian Devil is being pushed to extinction by the fatal Devil Facial Tumour Disease. This disease has been estimated to have killed 80% of the Tasmanian Devil population in the past decade. As such the habitat of the Tarkine is critical to survival of this iconic species in the wild. Threats such as mining, logging and roading place the future of the Devil at risk.

New mines for the Tarkine?

New mines are being proposed for the Tarkine, and the campaign to prevent this onslaught of destruction is heating up. Many of these mines are Pilbara style open cut mines. Early successes in this campaign have seen off mine proposals at Keith River, Riley Creek and Nelson Bay River, but Venture Minerals are intending to press ahead with their proposed tin mine at Mt Lindsay. We will continue the fight to prevent this tragedy.