Wildlife rescuer urges vigilance on roads

THE number of kangaroos being killed on Australian roads has reached an all-time high, but Surf Coast Wildlife Rescue (SCWR) is doing its best to make sure more don’t suffer the same fate.

A revolutionary virtual fencing trial being led by SCWR founder Jason Cichocki has reduced roadkill on Forest Road in Anglesea by almost 90 per cent over the past three years.

The innovative technology uses poles spaced at 25-metre intervals and is activated when car headlights pass by.

The poles emit high-frequency sounds and flashing lights, alerting nearby kangaroos and diverting them back to the bush.

Mr Cichocki said the initiative has far exceeded expectations.

“It’s been a huge success and helped to save many lives all round,” he said.

Ahead of World Kangaroo Day on October 24, he encouraged people to stay vigilant on the road.

“We are consistently seeing upward of 15 to 20 kangaroos a week hit and killed in the region,” Mr Cichocki said.

“We want to get the message out to exercise caution when you’re driving through an area known for kangaroo traffic.

“Drive accordingly. Just because it says to drive 80km/h doesn’t mean you need to. Just cutting 20km/h off your speed, you’d be lucky to add on a mere one or two minutes to your drive time.

“We’ve got heaps of kangaroos around, and we ask people to please take care.”

Data shows there’s been a 34 per cent increase in animal strikes on Australian roads in the past year, with kangaroos and wallabies accounting for most of them.

“The statistics vary from week to week,” Mr Cichocki said.

“Horseshoe Bend Road and Blackgate Road in Torquay are common sites at the moment. We have seen between 30 to 50 kangaroos in the last two months.

 

“It’s getting to be quite sad. It’s made for a busy time for all local rescuers.”

World Kangaroo Day co-founder Kate Clere said if your car did hit a kangaroo, please stop and help, even if it was to just make a phone call.

“We know kangaroos and wallabies like to forage for food on the side of the road at dusk, but when they see the lights of a vehicle, they can panic and jump straight into the path of the car,” she said.

“If your car does hit a kangaroo or you see one lying on the side of the road, there could be a joey in the pouch that may still be alive.

“They can survive for days but will eventually die of dehydration if they are not saved.”

The Kangaroo Road Rescue Kit can be downloaded for free and includes the number for a national volunteer wildlife rescue hotline to easily find local experts.

For Surf Coast Wildlife Rescue, phone 0422 048 557.