Coastal birds are suffering negative impacts caused by off-road vehicles on beaches according to a University of the Sunshine Coast-led study.
The study analysed research data from around the world and found a consistent and concerning pattern of “serious harm” on beaches with 4WD traffic, said lead author UniSC Professor of Marine Science Thomas Schlacher.
“Globally, we found a significant decrease in the diversity, abundance, breeding success and hatching success of birds on beaches that allowed 4WDs”, he said.
“The most dramatic examples are from vehicles hitting birds or crushing their nests.
“Even the stress and disturbance caused by vehicles repeatedly coming close to birds can lead to breeding failures, incubation failures (from leaving the nest too often) or force birds to abandon habitats altogether.”
Some of the impacted birds identified in the study, annually perform enormous long-range flights that span the globe between the Arctic Circle and Australian beaches.
“These are some of the most spectacular migrations in nature. Birds need to build up large energy reserves for these herculean efforts, and vehicle disturbance can cost them critical energy,” he said.
Oystercatchers, gulls, terns and plovers were among the Australian shore birds that were negatively affected according to the research. However, Professor Schlacher said beach traffic caused ecological harm across all levels of the ecosystem.
“Previous studies have found that 4x4 use can destroy dune vegetation and crush invertebrates like clams, crabs, and worms living under the sand. These small creatures are essential food for birds and fish life along our coastline, and vehicles can diminish these food webs,” he said.
“Beaches are amazing ecosystems, but they’re more delicate than we sometimes care to admit.
“The majority of 4WD users on beaches do follow the rules and try to avoid causing deliberate harm.
"However, the research shows widespread 4x4 use is not compatible with long-term conservation. From an environmental perspective, there is no such thing as a low-impact beach drive.”
Professor Schlacher said it was important we acknowledged our impact on coastal environments and was hopeful the research would inform larger conversations about the purpose of national parks and how we use them.
“Some of our national parks allow vehicles on 90 percent of their drivable beaches. If these areas are meant to protect nature, then we need to strike a better balance between vehicle-free beaches that safeguard nature and beaches that allow 4x4 recreation,” he said.
“Above all, it is about making sure we pass on rich and intact ecosystems to the next generation,” Professor Schlacher said.
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