Kangaroos face ‘extinction’ in Whittlesea as sprawl takes its toll

THREE kangaroos a day are being killed or injured in Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs, shocking new data has revealed — and experts say there is an obvious cause of the surge in deaths.

THREE kangaroos a day are being killed or injured in Whittlesea, new data has revealed.

And one wildlife rescuer warns that the animals are at risk of becoming extinct in some suburbs.

The shocking figures emerged in the same week wildlife protesters halted a government cull of kangaroos in Epping.

Activists interrupt planned cull of 400 kangaroos at vacant land in Epping

Whittlesea Council’s hands tied on kangaroo welfare in Urban Growth Zone

Wildlife Victoria data shows the animal charity had received 1042 reports of dead or injured roos from the municipality in 2016-17, making up 15 per cent of all state reports.

The top four suburbs for injury, harm or death to kangaroos — South Morang, Epping, Wollert and Doreen — are all in Whittlesea.

Outer suburbs in Whittlesea are listed as the most dangerous for kangaroos such as this boomer, pictured near Mernda.

Rapid development encroaching on kangaroo mobs was a factor in the high numbers, according to Wildlife Victoria chief executive Karen Masson.

“We believe the high number of kangaroos killed on the roads in this region are directly displaced by this kind of urban growth,” she said.

Of the reports, 73 per cent were for kangaroos either hit by a vehicle or found with injuries likely to have been caused by a vehicle.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has established an independent Kangaroo Impacts Management Advisory Group to provide advice on managing kangaroos in Victoria.

Spokesman Ewan Cook said the department did not approve of relocation of the animals due to the adverse psychological result it could have.

Wandong wildlife rescuer Narelle Smith said that the displacement of kangaroos was leaving them “extinct” in certain suburbs of Whittlesea.

“You will never, ever see roos out there again,” Ms Smith said.

She called for more roadside signs warning of kangaroos.

“Some sort of signage needs to be put up for drivers ... I got a call from a bus driver who saw one sitting by itself and I came out and it’s leg was all smashed up but a lot of cars went past without noticing,” Ms Smith said.