Lyrebird plea

By Tania Martin
THE third death of a lyrebird in the hills in three months has sparked renewed calls for drivers to slow down and watch out for wildlife.
John Lloyd of the Sherbrooke Lyrebird Survey Group (SLSG) found the latest dead bird on Monbulk Road on Wednesday 19 September, shortly after 9am.
He said this was the third lyrebird death in three months, which highlighted the grave need for more signage along Monbulk and Sherbrooke Roads.
Mr Lloyd said motorists needed to slow down when driving along Sherbrooke Road because it was almost impossible for them to avoid hitting wildlife, such as lyrebirds, at high speeds.
“It’s time for people to stop and take notice and slow down,” Mr Lloyd said.
“All we are asking is that local residents be more aware of the local wildlife.”
Jan Incoll also of SLSG said it was concerning that the group had lost three birds in such a short space of time.
“The lyrebirds are a local icon and it’s just heartbreaking to see them being killed on local roads,” she said.
“I have been working with the lyrebirds here in Kallista for 30 years and this is the first time that road deaths have been a problem.”
Park Victoria ranger Matt Hoogland said although it was disappointing to see so many deaths in the last few months, it was a sad reality that wildlife face. Mr Hoogland said because the Dandenong Ranges National Park abuts several busy roads such as Monbulk and Sherbrooke, there was always going to be road deaths.
But he said Park Victoria has been working with the survey group and the Shire of Yarra Ranges to put up more signs to urge drivers to be more aware of wildlife.
“We are trying to increase awareness with a key message to remind drivers to be mindful of wildlife,” Mr Hoogland said.
Mr Hoogland said now was a particularly important time for motorists to watch out for lyrebirds because new chicks are emerging and starting to forage on the side of roads.
“The lyrebird is such an iconic species that it’s sad to see them killed by a car.”
“It’s always going to be hard to avoid hitting wildlife but all we are asking is for people to be more aware of the dangers,” he said.
“All motorists have to do is slow down to give themselves a couple of extra seconds in stopping time to avoid further road deaths.”
Shire of Yarra Ranges community relations manager James Martin said the council had been working to erect signs to urge drivers to slow down.
He said signs had been put up along Sherbrooke Road and that the council was willing to continue working with Parks Victoria if more signs were needed.