Spike in road kill across outer north

Trained volunteers were called to 275 injured or sick animals in Whittlesea last month, compared to 172 cases in September and 138 in August, according to Wildlife Victoria.

The organisation’s chief executive, Karen Masson, said not enough research was being done to determine the causes of spikes in wildlife incidents.

“We have lots of data for someone to look at, but unfortunately we don’t have the resources to conduct research.”

Ms Masson said there was a marked increase in kangaroo movements in the early morning on sunny days and around full moons, which may contribute to increases in injuries and deaths.

“There could have been a disturbance or a series of disturbances in the area, [such as] building works or road works that could have contributed.”

Last month, 81 animals had been hit by cars; of a further 79, cause of death or injury could not be determined; 35 were displaced (found in an urban area); and 14 had been found injured or dead in traps.

Hume notched up a similar pattern over the past three months, with a spike of 246 in October, 170 in September and 104 in August, Ms Masson said.

She said the not-for-profit organisation wanted councils to be aware of native species when they grant planning permits for large-scale developments.