Roadkill has unexpected upside for conservation efforts

Roadkill may allow scientists to test for disease, track populations and study animal diets. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

Rural roads are scattered with roadkill in summer, as animals seek water in the searing heat and move around to eat and breed.

This sad sight could have an unexpected upside, allowing scientists to test for disease, track populations and understand more about animals' diets and habitats, a new Australian-led review suggests.