Wildlife Welfare

Wild Bird Collision with Vehicles

Millions of birds are killed or injured in vehicle collisions each year. Road design, driver behaviour, and habitat management can all reduce this toll.

Key Facts

Vehicle collisions are a major mortality source for many bird species
Barn owls, kestrels, and pheasants are among the most affected species
Roadside vegetation management affects raptor hunting behaviour near roads
Speed reductions in key areas significantly reduce bird strike rates
Underpasses and modified roadsides can reduce raptor hunting near roads

Welfare Considerations

Vehicle collision is a preventable welfare harm. Birds that survive strikes often suffer severe injuries requiring rehabilitation. Reducing roadside hunting by raptors and improving road design protects both individual birds and populations.

What You Can Do

Drive carefully at dawn and dusk when birds are most active
Report injured birds to wildlife rehabilitators
Advocate for raptor-safe roadside vegetation management
Support road ecology research and wildlife-sensitive road design