Roadkill in Tasmania

We've talked a lot about the roadkill in Tasmania, but I think it's time to get to talking about the numbers! Every year, about 500,000 marsupials, birds, and reptiles are killed on Tasmanian roads. Imagine how much work that is for a taxidermist! This number is a rough estimate, though, since some animals are eaten by others and go uncounted for. Tasmania has the largest number of roadkill in Australia, and these numbers mean that essentially, there is a dead animal to be seen on the road every 2-4km or so, but the number is larger in areas where there are more animals near roads and thus, more deaths. This issue is so prevalent, that in some locations, animals have become extinct! This doesn't mean they are extinct entirely, just in specific locations. Some of these animals include Quolls and Bandicoots. The reasons that animals are so attracted to the road could vary. Animals like reptiles like the warmth, and since roads are good at absorbing it. Insects are also attracted to this warmth, and in turn, Quolls are because they eat insects. Other contributing factors include the fact that it's easier for animals to travel on roads than to go through dense forest and bushes--as well as the very obvious fact that humans intercept their lives and build roads in the middle of their usual terrain. The reason this exists on such a huge scale in Tasmania is unclear, but predicted to be because there is a lot of prevalence of the animals there. The kinds of animals killed are also killed at the most inopportune times, such as night because their fur is black and this unnoticeable to a driver. Some things that can be done are drive safely and slowly, watching for shadows and movement, not assuming animals will move, swerving, and generally beware of your surrounding so to prevent this.

Sources:
1. http://www.wildlifematters.org.au/Roadkill.htm
2. http://gadling.com/2009/04/02/tasmania-roadkill-capital-of-the-world/