What if the next big breakthrough in protecting Australia's wildlife wasn't in a national park, but on the side of a regional highway?

That's exactly what's happening in New South Wales, where a new Artificial Intelligence powered trial is bringing together smart cameras and digital road signs to help reduce wildlife vehicle collisions. It's an encouraging example of how technology can work hand in paw with nature, proving that sometimes the smartest solutions are also the kindest.

How the Protective Animal Warning System (PAWS) Works

The new system, known as the Protective Animal Warning System (PAWS), is being trialled on a high risk section of the Monaro Highway near Michelago, south of Canberra. The area is well known for frequent wildlife crossings, particularly around dawn and dusk when visibility is lower and animals are most active.

Using a combination of thermal imaging and optical roadside cameras, PAWS can detect animals near the road before identifying them with an AI computer vision model trained to recognise common Australian wildlife including kangaroos, wombats and deer. When an animal is detected, a nearby digital road sign immediately lights up with a warning, giving drivers valuable extra time to slow down and stay alert. 

It's proof that artificial intelligence isn't just about making life more convenient. Sometimes it's about making life safer for everyone sharing the road.

A Smarter Way to Protect Wildlife

Australia's roads have a significant impact on native wildlife. An estimated 10 million animals are killed on Australian roads every year, affecting not only wildlife populations but also motorists, volunteers and rescue organisations that respond to injured animals.

One of the reasons this new approach is so promising is because it delivers warnings only when wildlife is actually present.

Unlike traditional wildlife signs that remain permanently in place, these smart signs activate in real time. That means drivers receive information when it matters most, helping avoid the "sign blindness" that can happen when we become too familiar with static warnings.

Now that's an idea worth stopping for.

Built with Wildlife in Mind

Behind the scenes, developing PAWS was no small task.

Transport for NSW's technology and biodiversity specialists spent 2025 training the AI using wildlife movement data and thousands of images. Working alongside Symbio Wildlife Park, they captured footage of different species to teach the system how animals move and behave. The data was then combined with information about weather conditions and time of day to improve the system's accuracy in real world environments.

The NSW Government invested an initial $500,000 to develop the technology, with the current trial helping determine whether it could eventually be expanded to other wildlife hotspots across the state.

Small Warnings, Big Difference

There's something inspiring about seeing technology used to protect both people and wildlife.

While the trial is just beginning, it highlights how thoughtful innovation can support safer roads without replacing existing measures like wildlife crossings and fencing. Every extra second of warning has the potential to prevent a collision, protect native animals and make journeys safer for drivers too.

It's another reminder that when we combine creativity with care, we can build solutions that help both people and the planet. And if this trial proves successful, the road ahead could look a whole lot brighter for Australia's wildlife.

Ready for another feel-good story? Check out our blog here about the new global reuse symbol for packaging! 

With Love, 
Ellie xo

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Protective Animal Warning System (PAWS)?

The Protective Animal Warning System (PAWS) is a new AI powered road safety system being trialled by Transport for NSW. It uses thermal and optical roadside cameras to detect wildlife near the road, identifies animals such as kangaroos, wombats and deer using artificial intelligence, and activates smart road signs to warn approaching drivers in real time.

Where is the AI wildlife detection trial taking place?

The trial is being conducted on a 300 metre section of the Monaro Highway at Michelago, between Canberra and Cooma. The location was chosen because it is a known wildlife hotspot with a high number of wildlife vehicle collisions.

How do the AI wildlife warning signs work?

Roadside thermal and optical cameras monitor for wildlife approaching or crossing the road. When the AI system detects and identifies an animal, a nearby digital sign lights up with a real time warning telling drivers to slow down. Unlike traditional wildlife signs, the smart signs only activate when animals are present. 

Why are smart wildlife warning signs needed?

According to the trial organisers, traditional wildlife warning signs are always visible, which can mean drivers become accustomed to them over time. The new smart signs are designed to provide targeted, real time alerts only when wildlife is detected, helping drivers respond when it matters most. 

Could this AI wildlife detection technology be used in other parts of Australia?

Transport for NSW will monitor the performance of the Monaro Highway trial to determine whether the technology reduces wildlife vehicle collisions. If successful, the results will help inform whether the system could be expanded to other high risk locations across New South Wales. (https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/new-ai-animal-detection-and-smart-signage-trial-working-to-limit-wildlife-vehicle-strikes)