403 | Reducing animal and car conflicts

WELFARE, CONSERVATION & TOURISM

A roadkilled goat found on the gravel road between Opuwo and Sesfontein causing a danger for following drivers and scavengers

After BirdsConTour removed the goat from the road. Now secure for drivers and scavengers to clean up the carcass

A roadkill is an animal or animals that have been struck and killed by motor vehicles.

Roadkills are a relatively new source of fatality; and if one were to estimate the entire kilometers of the roads in Namibia, the mortality must mount into the hundreds every 24 hours. Driving without paying attention to animal movement, driving at night and driving at too high speed contribute to the death toll. Unfortunately some drivers intentionally run over insects and reptiles, such as snakes and turtles.

To avoid the growth of a culture of indifference and hopelessness if people learn to ignore lifeless bodies on roads, BirdsConTour starts making a difference by removing at least one dead animal off the road during each tour that BirdsConTour is involved with. Removing animal carcasses, no matter how big or small, from roads BirdsConTour supports public safety because the removal takes away the potential distraction and hazard of the carcass to other motorists. The removal also prevent deaths of further animals that try to feed on the carcass. If possible, BirdsConTour tries to move the carcass to a nearby suitable place where it can be enjoyed in safety by other wildlife, especially by scavengers.

Remember that roadkill removal off the road is a way to support public safety as well as protecting carcass feeding animals. But with the act of removal it is of utmost importance not to pose a threat to people and traffic!