Avis gets behind the Tasmanian Devil Roadkill Project
Published: 17/11/2011
Visitors to the state this summer will be encouraged to drive carefully and lookout for devils.
Car rental company Avis is getting right behind the Save the Tasmanian Devil Roadkill Project and will provide their clients with roadkill report forms.
Avis State Training Coordinator Tracy Moschogianis is liaising with staff to ensure they get the important message across to clients that Tasmanian devils are endangered and every care on the road should be taken – especially at dusk when native wildlife are active.
Tracy said the Tasmanian tourist season coincided with peaks in animal activity so it was an ideal time to spread the word around the staff to encourage drivers unused to local road conditions to exercise great care.
She said up to 800 Avis cars would be on the road each day in peak times from mid December to mid January.
“That’s a lot of drivers who need to be aware of what to do if they are unfortunate enough to hit a devil on the road,” Tracy said.
“We are very happy to ensure they have a report card at hand.
Tracy said clients regularly reported roadkill incidents. While most related to wallabies and possums, there were a few incidences involving devils.
“They are very surprised and delighted by the sheer volume of wildlife in Tasmania so it is very upsetting for them to see roadkill, let alone being involved in accident with an animal,” she said.
“Just being aware that these little creatures are about should be incentive for them to slow down.”
It is anticipated the reply paid Roadkill forms will be placed in a prominent position in the Avis hire cars to ensure they are seen by the clients.
Tassie Devil and friends intend meeting up with Tracy and other Avis staff over the next month to reinforce the Roadkill Project messages.
