Wildlife Injured on Our Roads
Tasmania is often called the roadkill capital of the world, and it’s not an exaggeration. Citizen-science data shows that on average 32 animals die every hour on Tasmanian roads, that’s more than one defenceless animal every two minutes [1][2][3]. Most of these victims are native species (pademelons, wallabies, echidnas, possums, and birds) disappearing at a pace that becomes more tragic with each journey.
Why So Many Animals Are Injured on Our Roads
Tasmania’s roads cut right through key wildlife habitats. Many animals are most active at dawn and dusk — when visibility is low, and drivers often aren’t expecting to see wildlife. Research from Tasmanian surveys shows an average density of 0.372 roadkill per km driven, with close to 6,000 animals documented across 15,000 km of study routes, and possums and pademelons the most frequently hit [4].
Certain species face additional risks. Tasmanian devils and eastern quolls often scavenge animals already hit on roads, making them especially vulnerable [5]. When roads are upgraded and sealed — as happened around Cradle Mountain — traffic speed increases led directly to stiff rises in deaths among wildlife such as devils [5].
Seasonal movements, roadside grazing, and young joeys dispersing amplify the risk. Many being injured or killed are still in their mothers’ pouches — vulnerable survivors like the wombat joey named Bingo, who needed rescue after her mother’s vehicle strike [1].
What to Do If You Encounter Injured Wildlife
If you discover an animal injured on or near the road, your response matters.
First, ensure your own safety. Pull over when it is safe, activate your hazard lights, and be cautious of other vehicles. If you can approach carefully, check if the animal is alive — marsupials may have live joeys in their pouch. If you’re unsure, it’s worth stopping to look.
Then, seek help. Contact Wild Island Rescue or Bonorong Sanctuary’s 24-hour wildlife hotline. If you’re comfortable and trained, you may offer temporary transport to a vet or care facility; otherwise, stay close until help arrives.
Every minute counts. Even when unsure, stopping can make the difference between life and death [1][6].
Read More → WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND INJURED OR ORPHANED WILDLIFE
The Bigger Picture & Population Impact
A single animal loss is heartbreaking, but the cumulative impact of road trauma is ecological — too many animals removed at the same time disrupt local populations. Researchers estimate over 500,000 native animals die on Tasmanian roads each year, with true numbers likely closer to one million or more, due to scavenging and unreported cases [7].
For species already at risk — like Eastern Quolls, devils, or the invasive spread of roadkill into remaining wild corridors — every loss diminishes resilience. Studies estimate that between 3.8% and 5.7% of the devil population was killed each year due to road trauma in the early 2000s — second only to disease threats like DFTD [5].
How Tasmania Is Working to Reduce Road Trauma
The Tasmanian Roadkill Reporter app collects public sightings of roadkill to help map hotspots, share insights, and guide mitigation efforts — a powerful tool for citizen scientists and conservation authorities alike [8].
Engineering trials have demonstrated promise too. Along the C214 corridor, technology known as “virtual fences” — posts with sensors that emit light or sound when vehicles approach — have reduced animal deaths by up to 50–75% in high-risk zones for species including wallabies, quolls, and devils [5][9].
Other measures being evaluated include targeted signage, wildlife underpasses, reflectors, local speed limit reductions, and community road safety campaigns tailored to wildlife awareness [10].
How You Can Help Save Wildlife
Every driver, resident, and visitor can make a difference in reducing wildlife road trauma:
- Reduce your speed between dusk and dawn, especially on rural roads lined with bush or pastures.
- Use high beams responsibly when safe — they can help spot animals ahead.
- Report roadkill sightings using the Tasmanian Roadkill Reporter app or form.
- Support local mitigation efforts — ask councils for wildlife crossings and safe underpasses in high-risk areas.
- Share the message: educating others helps change driving behaviour too.
A Shared Road to Safety
Road trauma is not just an animal welfare issue — it’s a community concern that reflects our choices as drivers, land users, and wildlife supporters. Tasmania’s animals deserve a chance to live wild and free.
By being mindful on the road and sharing care, we can reduce the number of animals lost each year in ways that ripple outwards — into safer roads, healthier habitats, and stronger conservation outcomes.
References
[2] Overview of Eastern Quoll behaviour and threats, including road trauma.
[4] Wildcare Tasmania’s roadkill survey documenting wildlife collision density across the state.
[8] Tasmanian Roadkill Reporter App – how to report incidents and help track hotspots.
[10] Wildlife Safe Tasmania report on strategies for reducing wildlife road trauma across the state.