A major study by Monash University researchers has revealed that Tasmanian Boobook owls migrate directly through areas designated for offshore wind farm development in Bass Strait.
This world-first research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Emu — Austral Ornithology, provides crucial insights into the migration patterns of land birds between Victoria and Tasmania.
The study tracked Tasmanian Boobook owls using satellite technology, mapping their over-water journeys from Victoria to Tasmania.
The findings highlight Bass Strait’s significance as a flyway for land birds and raise potential environmental concerns regarding the federal government’s 21,100 square kilometres declared offshore wind areas off Gippsland and Northern Tasmania.
Associate Professor Rohan Clarke from Monash University highlighted the importance of balancing renewable energy development with ecological considerations.
“As ecologists, we recognise more than most the urgent need for the renewable energy transition to address the immediate threat of climate change,” Professor Clarke stated.
He added: “It’s crucial that conservation and biodiversity experts work closely with those delivering the renewable energy transition to avoid unintended consequences for our wildlife.”
The research methodology involved attaching small tracking tags to Tasmanian Boobook owls captured at Cape Liptrap in Victoria’s South Gippsland.
These tags recorded the GPS positions of the birds during their migration.
All tracked birds that made the southward journey did so in a non-stop, overnight flight, passing directly through the declared priority area for offshore wind development south of Wilson’s Promontory.
Jessica Zhou, a Monash ecologist and co-author of the study, highlighted the significance of the Tasmanian Boobook as a model species for further research.
“The Tasmanian Boobook’s size, demonstrated accessibility at headlands in Victoria, and direct overwater migration makes it a model species for further study to build on our collective knowledge of the way birds use Bass Strait,” she explained.
This study underscores the need for comprehensive ecological research to inform the development of renewable energy infrastructure and mitigate potential impacts on local wildlife.
As Australia moves towards a renewable energy future, the findings serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding and protecting biodiversity in the face of industrial transformation.
