For the environmentalists the impact seemed minor, since the spill was in developed areas and well away from pristine wildlife habitats.

However, 200 years since the great biologist's birth, it is mankind that is threatening the island with the introduction of invasive species, the demands of a growing human population, extreme weather events caused by climate change and a growing number of tourists disturbing the pristine wildlife.

Tasmania is an island full of natural beauty, full of pristine wildlife and exhilarating adventures.

However, environmentalists contend the road undermines the pristine wildlife and threatens the population of the migratory Black Brant.