A respected Tasmanian devil researcher has condemned the vandalism of electronic devices that have proved invaluable in saving the endangered species from becoming roadkill.

The "virtual fences" emit a loud sound and flash of light when activated by car headlights to scare devils away from the roadside.

They have been shown to dramatically reduce roadkill along stretches in the north-west, in some instances by up to 80 per cent.

The sensors have also been installed at Eaglehawk Neck on the Tasman Peninsula.

But 30 devices have been vandalised in the past two years, with the damage bill reaching $120,000.

The revelations have angered wildlife biologist Nick Mooney who has spent decades studying the devils.

"It's truly absurd and I guess it's by the same people who are shooting holes in street signs," he said.

"It's an animal welfare issue, it's not just devils, of course, it's lots of other wildlife ... these devices have been shown to be very effective.

"It's appalling that some idiot would vandalise them, it's very frustrating and disappointing Tasmanians can't do better than this."

Jack Swanepol owns Wildlife Safety Solutions, which brought the technology to Australia.

The alarm units that make up the virtual roadside fence are tripped by car headlights. ( ABC News: Damian McIntyre )

"They're pretty much breaking off the support structures the devices are mounted on and just throwing them into the bush and driving past and smashing them," he said.

"We've had a report from Rosebery Police they've caught somebody with the device.

"We're keen to see action being taken on these people and someone to be made an example out of for such a foul act."

He suspects vandals may not understand the devices' purpose.

"If we create more awareness around the technology people might realise it's for a good cause," Mr Swanepol said.

Mining company considers improving signage

Mining company MMG helped fund the installation of the devices near its mine at Rosebery.

Tasmanian representative Ted Woodruff said the company hoped to install more virtual fencing.

"I can't really understand what reason people would have for vandalising the fencing," he said.

The devil facial tumour disease has wreaked havoc on the wild population. ( Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water )

"One of the things that we have discussed internally is we might need to improve signage so people understand what they're for."

The Tasmanian devil populations have been devastated by a contagious facial cancer, and in recent years a second, similar disease has been detected.

The danger of extinction has been lessened by a successful national breeding program which has resulted in 600 devils in sustainable insurance populations spread across 31 zoos.

A wild population of 70 devils has also been established on Maria Island off Tasmania's east coast where an initial insurance population of 28 was relocated.