Researchers warn Australian governments fail to protect native wildlife from road fatalities effectively.
Every year, millions of animals die in collisions, creating risks for both fauna and humans.
Road crashes involve drivers, rescuers, and veterinary staff, adding social and economic costs.
Wildlife Victoria reported a 288% rise in calls about animal collisions over the past decade.
The organisation helped 311 species, with kangaroos accounting for 50–60% of cases.
The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) recorded nearly 7,000 claims linked to animal impacts last year.
Experts estimate Australia kills up to 10 million animals annually on roads.
Existing Measures Remain Patchy
Road tunnels, rope bridges, land crossings, and exclusion fencing can protect wildlife, but governments use them inconsistently.
Griffith University research highlights “systemic” gaps in applying wildlife-safe designs nationwide.
Fauna-sensitive road standards remain largely voluntary, leaving implementation fragmented.
Without a national framework and enforceable rules, the deployment of these measures continues unevenly.
Lead author Christopher Johnson called the estimated death toll “an insanely massive number” demanding urgent action.
Wildlife Protection Needs Stronger Rules
Queensland and Victoria embed wildlife-sensitive guidelines into some road designs, but both rely on voluntary language.
The study found Queensland’s manual used “should” 99 times but “must” only 64 times, limiting enforceability.
Victoria’s guidance similarly prioritises suggestions over compulsory measures.
Johnson urges planners to treat wildlife infrastructure like pedestrian bridges, with mandatory requirements and accountability.
He warned, “Nice-to-haves don’t always make it through to the end of the project.”
Researchers call for biodiversity to become a core element of infrastructure planning across Australia.
