RACT and Bonorong team up for World Environment Day
We've joined forces with Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary this World Environment Day to highlight Tasmania's alarming roadkill crisis and equip wildlife rescuers to handle encounters with injured wildlife.
In collaboration with Animal Rescue Cooperative, we donated 100 animal rescue kits, including a wildlife safety guide and animal pouch, to Bonorong to support its work in training wildlife rescuers.
Our Communications & PR Manager Ben Hansen said the RACT had received an increasing number of calls from members concerned about the rise in roadkill incidents over the past three months.
"Not only are our members concerned, but our analysis indicates that by the end of 2024, there will be nearly 3,900 wildlife-related vehicle incidents, resulting in around $14 million in damage,” Mr Hansen said.
“We hope these figures and our collaboration with Bonorong will spark conversations and alarm the community enough to change driver behaviour.
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, promotes awareness and action to protect the environment.
“Approximately 80 per cent of these incidents involve wallabies or kangaroos, while less frequent collisions with deer typically cause twice the damage of other animals.
“These incidents predominantly occur at night, with 41 per cent happening between 6 and 10 pm.”
The most common areas for RACT Insurance claims are along regional highways, with the Tasman Highway, Bass Highway, and Midlands Highway being the top three roads for wildlife-related incidents over the past six years.
Bonorong Director Greg Irons said the organisation ran free training for community members on basic wildlife rescue, transport, and temporary care to equip them to help save injured wildlife.
“We can then call on these people to help animals and respond to calls for help from the community when they come across injured animals on the roads,” Mr Irons said.
“These donated kits are a great asset for people who can get to an animal quickly and follow the right first aid steps to maximise chances of survival and relieve pain and stress for them.”
Mr Hansen highlighted the importance of vigilance while driving, advising motorists to scan road edges for wildlife and exercise extra caution during dusk and dawn.
“As our days continue to shorten and we are on the road more in darker hours, we must reduce speed, which will give us more time to scan the road and brake,” he said.
If you come across injured wildlife, call Bonorong’s 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Hotline on 0447 264 625.
Save a life with a pouch check
It can be heart wrenching to see wildlife deceased on our roads, but taking a few minutes to stop and check the pouches of marsupials can save a life.