Jackal found dead in roadkill
GLENFERNESS - A black-backed jackal was found dead at the entrance to Macgillivray and Main roads near Leeuwkop Prison last Thursday night. The animal had been hit by a car.
Chairman of the Greater Kyalami Conservatory Margie Donde said, “This would be a weekly occurrence with the K56 road through Kyalami area with jackal, mongoose, genet, porcupine, bull frogs, terrapins being decimated.”
Donde is one of the opponents of the proposed K56 in Kyalami. “While they may not all be red data species, they have been home to this area for many years and to see them decimated one by one because of development and especially roads is heart-breaking to say the least.”
Donde’s words complemented new research on the number of animal deaths on South Africa’s roads.
A joint initiative between the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Rhodes University and Tshwane University of Technology was undertaking the second round of roadkill research and a mitigation project to understand the impact roads had on wildlife.
During a 40-day period in February and March this year in Northern Limpopo, 470 animals were reportedly killed by vehicles on a 100km stretch of road.
The research reportedly would enable researchers to compile policy suggestions for authorities who maintain roads as well as to contribute to road safety.
The project is still underway.
Details: www.roadkillresearch.wordpress.com
