Considered one of the world's leading wildlife researchers, in a Q&A with The Examiner Professor Bowman described the vulnerable position Tasmania finds itself in when it comes to the potential for catastrophic fires. There's a lot of work to be done and considering the scale of the problems we are facing - there is no such thing as being over-prepared. But there is certainly no room for complacency and inaction.

As of Sunday, there were 16 vegetation fires burning across Tasmania. While only at advice level, they are still incidents requiring continued resources from the Tasmanian Fire Service. Just 24 hours earlier crews were fighting an out of control fire at Mathinna in the state's north-east. By Sunday while downgraded to advice level, the fire had already covered more than 470 hectares. It comes in the midst of the catastrophic conditions facing the mainland.

Government hypocrisy in response to the emerging bushfire threat has been well documented - at both a federal and state level and across multiple parties.

On Sunday state Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Mark Shelton admitted the climate was changing, going as far as to say there was "no doubt". Still, it's a simple statement Australia's own prime minister has so far refused to acknowledge in regards to the severity of recent fire events interstate.

But there is no doubt that Tasmania is particularly vulnerable. And in the words of Professor Bowman's - "it's going to take work, it's going to take investment, it's going to take community and capacity-building, it's going to take genuine leadership" to ensure no Tasmanian lives or homes are lost this season.

But it's a two-way street and the onus falls to both the government and the community to ensure we don't experience a recipe for disaster this summer.