Roadkill, meaning the impact between wildlife and vehicles, keeps killing people and animals. This is the reason why in every Italian province an estimated number of 15,000 animals die every year. 81% of the reported victims are mammals (deer, wild boars, badgers, foxes and roe deer) hit while trying to reach places where they can reproduce and find food. Roads and rails constitute a true barrier across the corridors that animals use to move, thus reducing the ecological network and threatening the local biodiversity.

With the Roadkill project, the Consortium of Mountain Municipalities of the Verbano Valleys and Istituto Oikos involved 32 municipalities in the Province of Varese in a highly practical initiative. The project includes the installation of innovative anti-collision systems along green corridors where wildlife-vehicle collisions are most frequent, the creation of a wetland, and measures to support the safe movement of frogs and toads.

The technology used combines speed, heat, and motion sensors. These systems are activated when an animal is about to cross the road and a vehicle is approaching at high speed. A sound signal (e.g., animal cries or howls) scares the animal, prompting it to wait before crossing, while a flashing road sign alerts the driver to the potential danger. These systems also allow our staff to collect valuable data — such as the number of activations and video recordings of animal behaviour — which help assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Technical measures on the road are accompanied by an awareness campaign to promote safe driving habits, such as reducing speed, and to inform drivers about the locations, seasons, and times of highest collision risk.

For more information visit the website: www.roadkill.it
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