Visitors are urged to slow down and watch out for wongari (dingoes) when driving on K’gari. Source: pxfuel
Rangers on K’gari (Fraser Island) are urging visitors and residents to slow down and drive carefully on beaches and tracks on the island after another wongari (dingo) has been found dead.
The deceased wongari was found by Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers on a Eurong beach on the 16th of March. The body was found close to a 40km per hour sign.
Ranger Dan Novak said that rangers are investigating the incident, but are having difficulty determining what caused the vehicle strike, particularly without assistance from the public.
“Sadly, accidents involving wongari and vehicles are all too common, and it is estimated that up to 70 wongari have been fatally struck by vehicles since 2000,” Mr Novak said.
“This includes 38 wongari fatally struck by vehicles since 2009, and these incidents can have devastating consequences for the wongari population on the island.
“Wongari play a vital role in the ecosystem, and retrieving deceased wongari distresses QPWS rangers and Butchulla Traditional Owners.
“Drivers on K’gari’s beaches must observe the island’s speed limits for personal safety reasons, and they must keep a close watch for wongari.
“Adhering to the speed limits reduces the risk of accidents but also gives drivers more time to react if they encounter a dingo on the road or beach.
“Dingoes are unpredictable and may suddenly appear on the road or beach so drivers must be alert and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.”
Mr Novak said that anyone who has any information on the deceased wongari is encouraged to email the Department of Environment and Science.
