Wildlife collisions on Australian roads, particularly involving kangaroos, are a significant yet often overlooked problem with dangerous consequences for both humans and animals. Every year, millions of animals fall victim to motor vehicle crashes, and kangaroos and wallabies are among the most frequent casualties.
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However, researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) are making strides to address this pressing issue by employing cutting-edge technology. The team is now tracking smaller native kangaroos called bettongs with high tech dog collars, in an effort to understand their movement patterns and behaviors to predict when and where these animals might be most at risk of crossing roads.
Tracking the Movements of Bettongs
In a groundbreaking study, UniSC researchers are using high tech dog collars adapted for wildlife research to track the movements of bettongs. The collars, equipped with accelerometers, GPS, and VHF capabilities, allow researchers to gather real-time data about how these small kangaroos move and behave in their natural habitats.
These collars provide an unprecedented level of biomechanical accuracy, which can help researchers understand how different species of kangaroos and their smaller relatives hop and interact with their environment.
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Dr. Christofer Clemente, an Associate Professor at UniSC and the leader of this international research project, says that understanding the intricate details of kangaroo and bettong movements is key to preventing accidents involving vehicles. “We need to find out exactly why and how different species of roos hop, so we can better predict their movements in different habitats,” Dr. Clemente explains.
The tracking data will enable the researchers to distinguish between various behaviors such as feeding, grooming, resting, nesting, and hopping at different speeds. According to PhD student Jasmin Annett, the information gathered from these high-tech collars will help develop a clearer picture of how these animals behave in response to various environmental factors, such as urban areas, roads, and rural bushlands.
A New Level of Precision
The use of advanced technology to monitor animal behavior is not entirely new, but this research takes it to a new level. “Roos have been collared with movement trackers for geospatial studies before, but our 3D accelerometry data will for the first time provide a fine-scale understanding of animal behavior with respect to their habitat preferences,” says Annett.
By gathering data on a range of behaviors and movements, researchers hope to understand how these animals interact with different landscapes and determine the factors that influence their decisions to cross busy roads. For insights on whether Airedales are good off-leash, explore this comprehensive article.
The collars are custom-built and are fitted to bettongs at a wildlife reserve southwest of Brisbane. The process involves carefully capturing the animals and attaching the collar, often with the help of mild anesthesia.
After a month of use, the collars are designed to drop off and be retrieved by the researchers. This method ensures minimal disruption to the animals while providing valuable data that can inform future conservation efforts.
Aiming to Reduce Road Accidents
The ultimate goal of the study is to improve road safety by reducing wildlife collisions. According to a report by the NRMA released in late 2022, approximately 10 million animals are killed on Australian roads each year due to vehicle collisions, with kangaroos and wallabies among the most frequently impacted species.
These crashes not only result in tragic losses for wildlife but can also be dangerous for drivers, as animals, especially large kangaroos, can cause severe accidents. Discover the benefits of using a harness by reading this guide on should a Collie wear a harness.
Ms. Annett believes that by studying the biomechanics of bettong movements, researchers can predict more accurately where and when these animals are likely to cross roads. This information could be used to develop better road safety measures, such as wildlife corridors, warning signs, or even technology that alerts drivers to nearby wildlife.
“It is designed to provide an understanding of the biomechanical constraints of roo movements in natural and unnatural landscapes, to better conserve and protect them and to prevent collisions with vehicles,” she says.
The project is part of a $434,000 Australian Research Council Discovery Grant, which is a collaborative effort between UniSC, the University of Queensland, University of London, KU Leuven, and the University of Southern California.
The collaboration spans multiple disciplines, including biomechanics, ecology, and wildlife conservation, and brings together leading experts in animal behavior and technology.
Enhancing Conservation Efforts
Dr. Clemente, who specializes in evolutionary biomechanics, highlights that much of the research on kangaroo movements remains incomplete. While scientists have learned a great deal about these iconic marsupials, there is still much to uncover about how they move, live, and have evolved in response to the Australian landscape.
“Much of what we know about Australia’s kangaroo species is based on general observations, but we need more precise data to understand the specific behaviors of different species, particularly in relation to urbanization and human activity,” he explains.
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The high-tech collars offer the kind of detailed information that can drive more targeted conservation efforts. For instance, understanding how kangaroos and bettongs use different habitats could lead to better land management practices and more effective wildlife corridors.
The data could also assist in monitoring populations and ensuring that these animals can move freely without the constant threat of roads and vehicles disrupting their natural behavior.
Applying Technology to Other Species
The use of high-tech collars for wildlife research isn’t limited to bettongs alone. In fact, the research team at UniSC has already successfully used similar collars on gliding marsupials, such as mahogany gliders and brushtail possums, to study their behaviors in detail.
The accelerometer data collected from these animals have revealed fascinating insights into their movements, showing how gliders may have evolved to spend more time in the air to avoid dangers on the ground.
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Ms. Annett’s previous research involving gliders also involved machine learning algorithms to analyze the data, which helped distinguish various behaviors such as walking on ropes or climbing on shade sails. These findings have broadened the understanding of how different species adapt their behavior to navigate their environments, which in turn informs conservation strategies.
High Tech Dog Collars for Wildlife Tracking
Interestingly, the high-tech collars used in this research bear similarities to the high tech dog collars used for tracking pet movements. Just as owners use advanced technology to monitor their pets’ activities, these collars enable researchers to track wildlife with the same level of precision.
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The technology’s ability to gather 3D accelerometry data has opened up new possibilities for studying animal behavior on a fine scale, which was previously unattainable. By adapting technologies originally designed for domestic animals to fit the unique needs of wildlife, researchers are able to gather data that will ultimately benefit both animals and humans.
Future Outlook
While the research is still in its early stages, the potential for these high-tech collars to contribute to wildlife conservation and road safety is immense. By understanding the detailed movement patterns of bettongs and other kangaroos, researchers hope to create strategies that not only prevent accidents but also promote the long-term survival of these species.
Ultimately, the data gathered from these high tech dog collars will help design better roadways, wildlife crossings, and management practices that protect both wildlife and human life. With the support of cutting-edge technology and a collaborative international effort, the research at UniSC has the potential to make a significant impact on the safety of Australia’s roads and the conservation of its unique wildlife.
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As the study progresses, the hope is that the lessons learned from bettongs and kangaroos will help mitigate road accidents and contribute to the preservation of Australia’s precious animal species. The future of wildlife conservation in the country may very well depend on these high-tech collars and the innovative thinking behind them.
