"Road Kill Warriors" Documentary
Road Kill Warriors is a short documentary created by Lara van Raay and features wildlife carer and artist Ruth Waterhouse.
Over 500,000 animals are killed on Tasmanian roads every year. That's over 45-50 - every hour.
The documentary highlights a group of women who have decided enough is enough and tackle the above issue in unique and surprisingly controversial ways. They are the wildlife defenders raising the alarm to this massive, deadly problem and with the help of school children and local volunteers, accredited roadside markers and signs to remind drivers to reduce speed and look out for wildlife.
Purchase a Slow Down sign, bin or bumper sticker
You can assist in making a motorist slow down when driving at night by purchasing a "Slow Down" sign for your fence/front yard from Friends of Tasmanian Wildlife - it's an affordable way to be a voice for wildlife in your community.
Please note, the signs must be erected on your own property/ boundary/fence.
"Drive to protect Tasmania's native wildlife" Campaign
We've joined forces with RACT and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, to raise awareness of the roadkill issue with a clear message: Slow down between dusk and dawn, when the animals on our roads are most present.
Over 500,000 animals die on our roads every year, some of which are animals native to our state and facing the risk of extinction.
The term 'roadkill' is defined as the death of animals on roads as a result of a vehicle crash. This issue increased dramatically in the 20th century when vehicles began to gain more speed, and continues to this day.
When hit by a vehicle, an animal can die as a result of the impact, or from injuries sustained during the impact. Sometimes the dead animal is carrying a joey, which can remain in the pouch for many days before succumbing to cold or hunger. If the joey's rescued and survives, it will still suffer with grief and trauma from the initial impact.
Not to mention the impact dead animals on our roads have on tourists visiting us from interstate and overseas.
Roadkill has as much an impact on our economy as it does on our ecosystem. It’s an issue not only involving animals, but humans as well. Our calculations indicate that in 2025, there'll be over 1000 wildlife-related vehicle insurance claims through RACT and a staggering 3000 in total across the state.
Across the private vehicle fleet, this will cost Tasmanians around $9.5 million through their insurance coverage.
Many methods have been considered to reduce the number of animals dying on our roads, including fixed fencing, virtual fencing, and road modifications. However, none were found to be an efficient/cost-effective roadkill mitigation approach in the long run. Research in Australia and Europe has concluded that the best method for roadkill mitigation is changing driver behaviour. This is why we've decided to take action.
Planning trips ahead and driving mainly during daylight hours are other ways we can help prevent roadkill in our state. However, if you do encounter an animal on the road and it's too late to brake, please do not take evasive action by swerving - your life is your most valuable asset.
Take action and slow down, for your own safety and the survival of our wildlife.
"Roadkill Awareness" Campaign
Our roadkill awareness campaign is now making waves across Tasmania!
We're thrilled to announce that our impactful ads will be on display at the Spirit of Tasmania and both Hobart and Launceston Airports.
Every traveler, visitor, and local will have the chance to see and connect with our message. Together, we're raising awareness and working towards a safer environment for our unique wildlife.
A big thank you to everyone who supported this initiative.
Let's keep the momentum going and make a real difference.
We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful like-minded friends who, like us are extremely saddened by the vast number of wild animals who suffer terribly & die on our roads.
Our awesome friends in the filmmaking & acting industry have created 2 awesome adverts asking Tassie drivers to take responsibility & slow down between dusk & dawn. They have generously donated their time & ability for the cause & our group ’Wildlife Safe Tasmania’.
WIN TV have kindly aired the ad for us at a discounted rate but to keep them up and running we must continually fundraise and rely on donations and acts of kindness & goodwill!
RACT, have also jumped on board to promote our message and support our campaign. These guys are the most awesome insurers ever…. (from a personal & ethical perspective), we are truly heartened and grateful.
Thank you so much to our beautiful friend and extremely talented actress Bonnie Sveen (Actor, Creator, Producer), her amazingly talented and gorgeous hubby Nathan Gooley (Worker Bee Films), my awesome & very talented son in law Matt Stevens (for allowing us to use his very own gorgeous song), Ursula Woods (Filmmaker & Artist), Tobi Armbruster (Sound Recordist), Oliver Potter (Filmmaker/Producer), Greg Irons, the legend (Bonorong Founder & Director), and last but definitely not least an incredible person and support to our organisation Khaled Damag (ex-Assistant Chief Advocacy Officer RACT)
These awesome and very talented people, give us hope for a kinder & safer Tassie for our precious native animals.
Enjoy friends, and please share this VIP call to action. Thank you all for caring and for your support.
