Virtual fencing saves wildlife
A high-tech virtual fencing system installed along a section of Range Road North, Upper Hermitage, is helping to save wildlife.
1300Koalaz received a $5000 RAA Grassroots Giving grant to complete the project. As a result koalas have been deterred from crossing the dangerous section of road.
Flexible posts with small sensors attached have been installed about 50m apart on both sides of the road.
As cars approach, the sensors let out a beep and a small light flashes, which stops koalas in their tracks.
1300Koalaz Co-founder Cheryl Zampin said the system was the first of its kind to be installed in South Australia.
“We currently don’t have any virtual wildlife fencing in South Australia, so this is effectively the first, and it’s extremely important.”
The results
Before the fencing was installed, 1300Koalaz attended to 23 koalas who had been hit by vehicles along that section of road.
Since the system has been installed there have been zero koala deaths in the area. The fencing isn’t just saving koalas’ lives in the area, it’s also improving road safety along the Adelaide Hills road.
“From a safety perspective, it’s also keeping wildlife off the roads,” Ms Zampin said. “It decreases vehicle incidents and accidents and potentially saves human life as well.
If a motorist sees an animal on the road, it’s likely they’ll swerve and then hit something else like a tree, and then there’s a chance of a fatality.”
RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matthew Vertudaches said early indications showed there had been a substantial drop in the number of animal strikes in the trial area.
“We’re hopeful to see more widespread use of virtual animal fencing across South Australia to protect our vulnerable wildlife and ensure the safety of all road users,” Mr Vertudaches said.