Collisions between vehicles and wildlife pose significant challenges, impacting not only native animal populations but also affecting drivers, rescue personnel, and veterinary teams.

“The numbers are staggeringly high,” remarked Christopher Johnson, a road ecologist and the lead author of the study, during an interview with AAP.

In Victoria, guidelines tend to use suggestive language rather than mandatory regulations, which limits their enforceability.

While kangaroos and other large creatures are often the most noticeable casualties in these accidents, countless smaller animals also perish, their deaths frequently going unreported.

The study emphasized the importance of placing biodiversity at the forefront of infrastructure development, advocating for clear guidelines rather than leaving it subject to interpretation.

The study called for biodiversity to be at the core of infrastructure planning, rather than being left open to interpretation.

“Nice-to-haves don’t always make it through to the end of the project.”

What are some of the ways to protect wildlife around roads?

She told SBS News it’s all about understanding the impacts of a specific stretch of road on the local ecosystems.

That’s when wildlife crossing structures can be useful tools to help animals move across safely.

“Turtles, things that move along the ground relatively slowly, they tend to be at a really big risk.”

Reality of death tolls ‘probably worse’ than estimates

Estimates are often extrapolated from figures reported by insurance companies or wildlife rescue groups.