An app launched to record native roadkill in the state is off to an “encouraging” start with thousands of Tasmanians helping provide the government with new data.
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Over 2,100 people have downloaded the free Roadkill Tas app – launched in July 2018 – which allows users to record native roadkill on Tasmanian roads.
Since the launch, more than 5,450 reports have been made, Environment Minister Elise Archer said.
“It’s encouraging to see people have made use of the app and I encourage all Tasmanians to do the same.”
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Consistent data collection from the app helps develop a greater understanding of roadkill hotspots, as well as the species involved.
While the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program has been recording devil roadkill for some time – and larger animals such as pademelons and possums are easily seen – the roadkill risk for some smaller species like bandicoots, quolls, native hens and Tasmanian bettongs was previously unknown as they were not being reported.
Ms Archer added that the mapped reports show roadkill is being recorded on arterial highways and local roads across the state – information that can be used to determine road kill hotspots where mitigation methods can then be implemented.
“The figures show roadkill is a risk for many native species, not just those that are threatened and endangered,” she said.
“The app has also collected a number of reports of mothers with pouch young. The majority of these reports have noted that the pouch young were sadly already deceased.”
Roadkill across a number of native species, including ringtail possums, Tasmanian pademelons, Bennetts wallabies, brushtail possums, common wombats, bandicoots, quolls, Tasmanian devils and echidnas has been reported.
If a live animal requiring assistance is found, people are asked to contact Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary on 0447 264 625 or Raptor Refuge on 1800 7270867.
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