Animalert-system
When it comes to innovation, Nissan has always been a step ahead. But their latest research and development effort isn’t just about performance or driver comfort. It’s about protecting some of the planet’s most vulnerable creatures from harm. With their ground-breaking NISSAN ANIMALERT initiative, Nissan is driving change, in an unexpected and inspiring way.
From Human Safety To Animal Protection
If you’ve ever heard that gentle whirr as an electric car glides by, you’re already familiar with one of Nissan’s forward-thinking features. Their EV pedestrian alert system was first introduced with the Nissan LEAF in 2010 to help people hear silent electric vehicles coming. Now, that same technology is being adapted to help animals steer clear of roads.
The concept is brilliantly simple: take those alert sounds and tweak the frequency to speak to animals instead of humans. This new approach aims to deter wildlife from venturing onto roads in the first place. And the ultimate goal? Zero wildlife fatalities caused by vehicles.
A Lifeline For The Amami Rabbit
The pilot phase of this project is underway in Japan’s Amami Oshima, a dense, forested island that’s home to the critically endangered Amami rabbit. These shy, nocturnal creatures are found nowhere else on earth, and unfortunately, their instinct to freeze in the face of danger makes them especially vulnerable to passing cars.
In 2023 alone, 147 Amami rabbits were killed by vehicles on the island, the highest number ever recorded. That’s a terrifying statistic for an already dwindling species. Enter NISSAN ANIMALERT: a customised sound-emitting device fitted into a Nissan Sakura EV, now being tested in real-world conditions.
So far, the results look promising. Early field tests showed that the rabbits responded instantly to the sound alerts, avoiding roads altogether.
Built Through Collaboration
This isn’t just a Nissan passion project. It’s a powerful collaboration between automotive innovation, academic research, environmental agencies, and local government. Alongside Nissan, contributors include the Ministry of the Environment, Amami City, Okayama University of Science, Nippon University, and wildlife experts from Amami Gunto National Park, among others.
Their shared mission? To integrate sound-based wildlife deterrent systems into everyday driving environments — particularly in areas where roadkill is a growing concern.
It builds on earlier Nissan awareness campaigns like #KnockKnockCats, which encouraged drivers to tap their car bonnets to scare off stray cats sheltering in engine bays. Now, with ANIMALERT, that same sense of responsibility is being scaled up — literally from the bonnet to the bush.
A Growing Global Issue
While this particular initiative is focused on a Japanese island, the issue of wildlife roadkill is a global one, and South Africa is no exception. Many local drivers have had heart-breaking run-ins with dassies, owls, or even small buck, especially on rural or mountain roads.
As Nissan continues developing this technology, we can’t help but hope for a future where it becomes a standard feature in vehicles sold worldwide, helping drivers avoid tragic accidents and giving wildlife a better chance of survival.
It’s a brilliant example of how automotive tech can serve both people and the planet with solutions that are smart, scalable, and driven by compassion.
What’s Next For Nissan?
The pilot on Amami Oshima is just the start. Nissan plans to refine the technology, widen its use, and eventually bring it into production models. While there’s no official word yet on when it might reach South African roads, the concept shows just how far Nissan is willing to go to protect what matters, even if it has fur or feathers.
At Group1 Nissan, we’re proud to be associated with a brand that puts such thoughtful energy into solving real-world challenges. Whether it’s pioneering electric vehicles or safeguarding endangered species, Nissan proves time and again that innovation can, and should, serve a bigger purpose.
Check back soon for more updates on exciting Nissan news right here on the Group1 Nissan blog.
