WILDLABS
World Wide Fund for Nature/ World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Related Inventory Content
I came across this new Volkswagen initiative today, RooBadge, a vehicular kangaroo deterrent that uses telemetry data to automatically play high-frequency sounds in dense kangaroo population areas to deter vehicle collisions.
Read more about RooBadge:
Roobadge | Volkswagen Australia
An aftermarket accessory that can transform the iconic Volkswagen front badge into a protective audio shield to deter kangaroos from the vehicle.
Is this just an overhyped new tool, or could it actually have positive impacts? What are the anticipated effects of noise pollution for other animal populations? Curious what the community thinks!
2 April 2024 10:13pm
Relatedly:
Carmakers give up on software that avoids kangaroos - Ars Technica
Australia is turning to virtual fences to cut down on car-kangaroo impacts.
Rob Appleby
Wild Spy
4 April 2024 5:25am
Hi @alexrood , I would normally be quite sceptical, as there's been quite a lot of work over here on what's called the 'shuRoo' (because of course that's what it would be called in Australia), and it doesn't seem to have as much of a beneficial effect as one might hope (e.g. https://meridian.allenpress.com/australian-zoologist/article-abstract/42/3/690/472529/Roo-the-day-evaluating-the-ShuRoo-for-prevention). However, given that it involves two researchers with a wealth of knowledge about macropods and deterrents (and the very same authors of the ShuRoo experimental trial linked to above), I am much, much more optimisitic! Shall be watching (or listening to?) this one with great interest and thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Rob
5 April 2024 12:31pm
Sound deterrents to prevent collisions with Kangaroos in Australia have been sold for many years. None have been shown to work. Whether the Volkswagen device will be any better waits to be seen. Collision data will have to be collected for a while to see if the VW device has any effect on collision rate.
8 April 2024 12:49am
That is an interesting concept, and it would be great if something out there worked. In the meantime, I will try not to drive at dusk 🦘
At one point, I knew the "sonic" animal guards were the most stolen components of cars. You head in, get groceries, and come out, and they are gone. They weren't on the car long enough for me to confirm that would work
Wade