Wongari, shorebirds killed in vehicle strikes on K’gari

Issued: 3 October 2024

Visitors and residents to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) are reminded to slow down when driving on the beaches following the recent death of a wongari (dingo) and dozens of shorebirds in separate incidents.

A member of the public reported a deceased wongari to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) on 28 September 2024.

Queensland Park and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers discovered the young male wongari approximately 500 metres south of Sandy Cape Spit.

The deceased wongari was collected and assessment revealed its injuries were consistent with a vehicle strike.

Ranger Jenna Tapply said there have been multiple vehicle strikes involving wildlife on K’gari recently, including several crested terns.

“Sadly, there have been three car accidents resulting in the deaths of wongari in the past year, with approximately 67 vehicle strikes of wongari since 2000.

“Yesterday, our rangers found 22 deceased crested terns that were struck by vehicles on the beach, a worrying indicator of reckless driving behaviour and carelessness for our native wildlife.

“We urge all visitors and residents on K’gari to drive to the conditions and be mindful of wildlife also living on the island. Driving responsibly reduces the risk of accidents and gives drivers more time to react if they encounter wildlife.

“Crested terns and other shorebirds form flocks along Queensland’s beaches, and it is an offence to deliberately harm crested terns or any other wildlife including dingoes on K’gari. Significant penalties apply.

“Wongari’s can be unpredictable and may run out in front of your car so it’s important to be alert, aware of your surroundings and ready to react.”

Ms Tapply said wongari’s and shorebirds play a vital role in the ecosystem and retrieving deceased wildlife is distressing for the QPWS rangers and Butchulla Traditional Owners.

“K’gari is the wongari’s home so it’s important that we help protect them and prevent accidents that could harm both the animals and visitors.

“If you see a wongari on the road or beach, slow down and give them ample space to move away and use your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

“Anyone who is involved in an accident with a wongari should report it to DESI on (07) 4127 9150 or dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au.”

Visitors to K’gari are reminded to ‘Be dingo-safe!’ at all times:

• Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
• Always walk in groups and carry a stick
• Camp in fenced areas where possible
• Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
• Never feed dingoes
• Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
• Never store food or food containers in tents, and
• Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

For more information go to K’gari dingoes.