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Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Many bird species in the Galapagos Islands are killed on the roads by cars that transport citizens and tourists to their daily activities. This study reports the number of wild bird species killed near roads in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2018 and uses a statistical analysis (PRIDIT) to rank the main intrinsic (avian) and extrinsic (environmental) predictors of mortality. About 250 birds (21 species) were found dead each year on the road. Our results show that for all studied years, small-endemic birds are especially at risk of roadkill during hot days on the main road of Santa Cruz. The Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia aureola is the most affected species, particularly during the hot season. On the other hand, owls are a bigger species than the Yellow Warbler and, therefore, are less affected. However, the impacts of vehicle strikes are important to follow up on because owls are endangered. Although controlling the factors affecting bird mortality is complex, our results can inform management actions to mitigate avian mortality resulting from collisions with vehicles and other human activities. In the Galapagos Islands, the main road in Santa Cruz is one of the elements involved in bird road mortality along with vehicles and the impacted species. This study reports the number of roadkilled birds found on the road from the Itabaca Channel to Puerto Ayora, and the main factors, whether avian or environmental, involved in bird roadkill mortality. We collected individual carcasses in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2018 with a prevalence of 278, 252, 265, and 294, respectively, across 21 species. The endemic Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia aureola was the most affected bird. We used a PRIDIT model to rank the top avian and environmental predictors of road mortality. We found that for the sampled years, bird body size (i.e., 8–35 g) and the endemism status (i.e., endemic/native) were the main predictors of roadkill mortality, along with seasonality (i.e., hot season). Weaker predictors related to the bird (i.e., age and sex) and the environment (ecosystem, road slope, vegetation, or precipitation) are also reported as determinants of roadkill mortality. This study on avian mortality aims to inform conservation strategies to reduce the rate of wildlife avian roadkill on Santa Cruz Island and other islands with similar problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of wildlife roadkill significantly threatens the persistence of wildlife populations and disrupts the ecological functionality of ecosystems. This study investigates the impact of roadkills on wildlife in the Paraguayan Chaco, focusing on a 250‐km segment of Route 9 'Dr. Carlos Antonio López' between Villa Hayes and Pozo Colorado. We conducted a road survey for 15 months and recorded 2338 carcasses, identifying 87 species, with mammals (41.3%), reptiles (32.3%) and birds (19.8%) being the most observed groups. The species most frequently killed included Cerdocyon thous, Caracara plancus, Thamnodynastes hypoconia and Procyon cancrivorus. We also recorded species with conservation concern. Additionally, we estimated mortality rates by accounting for sampling errors such as carcass removal and searcher efficiency, revealing annual roadkill rates of 5183 mammals, 19 402 birds and 5020 reptiles on the 250 km per year. Spatial analysis using Ripley's K statistic and HotSpot Identification highlighted significant variation in roadkill distribution across different taxonomic groups and seasons, with 51 km of road identified as hotspots when analysing all groups together. Notably, there was minimal overlap in hotspot locations between seasons and taxonomic groups, emphasizing the need for targeted mitigation strategies. Our findings challenge previous macroecological assessments suggesting low roadkill rates in Paraguay, underscoring the importance of local studies in accurately assessing ecological impacts. This study provides critical baseline data for conservation efforts and calls for further research to develop and implement effective roadkill mitigation strategies in Latin America, especially in Chaco region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, collisions with vehicles result in millions of animal deaths every year, representing a major issue for wildlife conservation and management. Consequently, and importantly, much research has focused on understanding patterns of animal–vehicle collisions with the aim to reduce roadkill of wildlife. However, existing data on animal–vehicle collisions might also represent a novel opportunity to monitor wildlife populations. For this purpose, we compared data of >1.2 million hunter‐shot deer and >40,000 deer–vehicle collisions collected over 11 years in Denmark. We show that deer–vehicle collision data can be useful for population monitoring of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Roe deer was the most numerous species, representing 90% of observations based both on deer–vehicle collisions and on hunting bag statistics. After accounting for factors related to road infrastructure (road length and density, traffic volume), local (municipality) deer–vehicle collisions were highly correlated with hunting bag data for roe and red deer (Pearson's r > 0.7) but not fallow deer, likely due to biases in hunting bags. Moreover, we used deer–vehicle collision data to map spatiotemporal changes in the distribution of fallow and red deer, and demographic changes in all species. Combined, our results suggest that animal–vehicle collision data can be a useful tool to supplement existing methods for monitoring wildlife populations, which will be relevant for the management of these populations. We point to important shortcomings in both animal–vehicle collision and hunting bag data and provide recommendations on how to improve their accuracy in the future, to be applicable for a broader range of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships between species and their habitat are strongly related to their feeding habits making its description essential for understanding the species' biology and plan their conservation. This study describes the diet of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), a specialist insectivorous mammal, and evaluates potential sex-related intraspecific variation. We analyzed fecal matter from live individuals and from road-kills (N = 29 individuals) collected from October 2018 to April 2020 in the Cerrado savanna of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Anteater's diet was described by the relative frequency (RF; proportion of the sample mass represented by the prey item) and the frequency of occurrence (FO; proportion of samples in which the item was detected) of each prey item, which was classified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. The diet was composed of 14 morphotypes of termites (Blattodea), 28 morphotypes of ants (Formicidae) and grass seeds (Poacea). They fed primarily on termites (FO = 89.65%; RF = 75.85%) and ants (FO = 100%; RF = 23.08%), with no significant differences between sexes. Termites of the genus Syntermes (RF = 75.55%) represented most of the dietary sample mass, and ants of the genus Pheidole represented the most frequent item found in the samples (FO = 96.55%). M. tridactyla is a myrmecophagous specialist that consumes a great richness of prey species associated with multiple habitats. Hence, the preservation of the natural heterogeneity of the Cerrado landscape and their habitats is essential for the conservation of this vulnerable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We extensively reviewed scientific literature and extracted a large dataset with roadkill events for reptile species. We examined 300 articles from 33 European countries, gathering 1688 records of reptiles killed by vehicle traffic. A total of 125 taxa were found documented as roadkill (100 native and 25 exotic species). We calculated each species' occurrence frequency within the database (henceforth ‘relative roadkill frequency'). The relative roadkill of species was strongly and significantly correlated when comparing the whole dataset and the subset of systematic studies. We modelled the inter‐specific variation in relative roadkill frequency across the European reptilian phylogeny concerning species traits, evolutionary uniqueness, and distribution range using a phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) model. Overall, reptile casualties are more pronounced for more closely related species. However, the relative roadkill frequency was unrelated to the level of evolutionary distinctiveness of European reptiles. Additionally, relative roadkill frequency was not correlated to the distribution range but was positively correlated with the species' body mass. The reptiles more frequently cited as road casualties were overall relatively large species: Montpellier snake Malpolon monspessulanus, European grass snake Natrix natrix, and Caspian whipsnake Dolichophis caspius. Additionally, more active species during the crepuscular hours were less affected by roadkill. From a conservation point of view, our results suggest that roadkill frequency is not more significant for evolutionary, more unique reptiles than for other species in Europe, while at the same time, widely distributed species are not the main target of roadkill events. Then, the main causes of roadkill in reptiles must be associated with other factors, such as behavioural traits or density of populations, rather than simply the size of their distribution range.Keywords: evolutionary uniqueness, phylogenetic signal, reptile species, roadkill incidence, wildlife conservation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Roadkill of native animals, particularly marsupials, is a serious problem for wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and tourism in Tasmania, so any proposed method that substantially reduces native marsupial roadkill, while being cost-effective, deserves a thorough scientific evaluation. A commercial roadkill Virtual Fence (VF) mitigation device was evaluated using a repeat of a similar trial in southern Tasmania in 2018. The same VF installation and experimental designs were employed over a similar length of road (4.9 km versus 4.5 km), with the current trial having a substantially longer period of monitoring (i.e., 585 d versus 126 d). Sections of the virtual fence were switched on or off according to the same predetermined experimental design. Tasmanian pademelons were the most commonly killed species, at 222, over the total trial period, while 47 Bennett's wallabies were killed. The kill rate for the three spatial replicates and two monitoring periods (a total of 110 pademelons killed over 221 d) when the VF was switched off versus the periods when it was switched on were 3.35 and 3.33 month−1km−1, respectively. The corresponding rates for the total of 19 Bennett's wallabies that were killed were 0.55 and 0.61. Analyses of pademelons, which included pre-on and post-on periods for comparison, failed, as in the 2018 trial, to demonstrate any statistically significant effect of the virtual fence in reducing roadkill for this species. A commercial roadkill Virtual Fence (VF) mitigation device (iPTE Traffic Solutions) was used in a field trial to test its effectiveness, for which previously published results have been inconsistent, along a 4.9 km segment of road on Bruny Island, Tasmania. A total of 585 days of monitoring roadkill by species was conducted, with six sections that were alternatively switched on or off according to the Crossover and Multiple Before–After–Control–Impact (MBACI) experimental designs that divided monitoring into "off–on" then "on–off" periods. Aggregate counts, for each period by section combination, from daily counts of Tasmanian pademelons (Thylogale billardierii) were modelled, with a total count of 222. The statistical analysis used the MBACI design to estimate the VF effect using a log-odds ratio parameter (LORP) while accounting for local spatio-temporal effects. Both versions of the analysis, either averaged over the three spatial replicates (paired sections) or two temporal replicates (blocks), showed no statistically significant effect of the VF, judged as an LORP estimate not sufficiently below zero. Corresponding percentage reduction estimates of 9% and 16% were derived from the LORP. The corresponding statistical power required to detect a nominal significant reduction of 50% in rate was 0.5 and 0.6, respectively. This study confirms the results from a similar previous field trial in southern Tasmania that this VF is likely to lead to, if anything, only a minor reduction in roadkill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife mortality due to collisions with vehicles (roadkill) is one of the predominant negative effects exerted by roads on many wildlife species. Reducing roadkill is therefore a major component of wildlife conservation. Roadkill is affected by various factors, including road attributes and traffic volume. It is theorized that the effect of traffic volume on roadkill probability should be unimodal. However, empirical evidence for this theory is lacking. Using a large‐scale roadkill database of 18 wildlife species in Israel, encompassing 2846 km of roads over 10 years, we explored the effects of traffic volume and road attributes (e.g., road lighting, verge vegetation) on roadkill probability with a multivariate generalized linear mixed model. A unimodal effect of traffic volume was identified for the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), whereas 5 species demonstrated a novel quadratic U‐shaped effect (e.g., golden jackal [Canis aureus]). Four species showed a negative linear effect (e.g., wild boar [Sus scrofa]). We also identified varying effects of road attributes on roadkill. For instance, road lighting and roadside trees decreased roadkill for several species, whereas bus stops and concrete guardrails led to increased roadkill. The theorized unimodal effect of traffic volume may only apply to large, agile species, and the U‐shaped effect could be related to intraspecies variability in traffic avoidance behavior. In general, we found that both high‐traffic and low‐traffic roads can pose a high mortality risk for wildlife. It is therefore important to monitor roadkill on low‐traffic roads and adapt road attributes to mitigate roadkill. Road design for effective roadkill mitigation includes reducing the use of concrete guardrails and median barriers where possible and avoiding dense bushes in verge landscaping. These measures are complemented by employing wildlife detection systems, driver warnings, and seasonal speed reduction measures on low‐traffic roads identified as roadkill hotspots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads threaten the conservation of many wildlife species. Carnivores are one of the most susceptible groups due to their habitat requirements. We explored the roadkill patterns of European polecats (Mustela putorious) on motorways and roads to investigate if these patterns depend on road type, a research topic frequently neglected in the literature. We studied 85 roadkills on motorways and 73 on roads, and the corresponding number of random points with no roadkills in every road type. We characterized them with 7 habitat and 7 road-related variables. Roadkill sites were significantly associated with the abundance of rabbit burrows. However, this effect was stronger on motorways, as they provide more suitable habitat for the establishment of prey species on their wider rights-of-way, or on the road interchange islands, which provide wide unused spaces. In contrast, road interchange islands on conventional roads that are simple intersections and have narrower rights-of-way. Furthermore, roadkills occurred in areas with lower agricultural cover. Thus, natural habitats on roadsides could act as alternative foraging areas for this carnivore increasing their roadkill risk. Our results showed the need to consider the characteristics such as the availability of prey or the surrounding habitat, as well as intrinsic characteristics of the road type when studying wildlife roadkills as the road-type-mediated patterns demand-specific mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road mortality adversely affects wildlife populations. As urbanization and infrastructure densities expand, transportation and wildlife management aim to mitigate wildlife–vehicle conflicts while conserving biodiversity. Roadways in aridland ecosystems can invariably and adversely impact wildlife differently from temperate and other biomes, yet these rapidly urbanizing regions are understudied as are urban–rural gradients. We conducted road-cruise surveys (n = 204; 2018–2023) to assess anthropogenic, environmental, and temporal factors associated with vertebrate roadkill across the wildland–urban interface of Arizona’s biodiverse Sonoran Desert ecoregion—already subjected to increased human development and climate change. Of n = 2019 vertebrates observed, 28.5% were roadkill. Increasing urbanization levels were associated with reduced vertebrate abundance on roads and increased road-killed endothermic vertebrates. Traffic volume was strongly associated with reduced vertebrate abundance and increased roadkill; additive effects on roadkill began at approximately 20 vehicles. Daily low temperature and/or relative humidity were also associated with roadkill across vertebrate groups. We provide empirical evidence to understand wildlife–roadkill associations across expanding wildland–urban interfaces to inform effective roadkill mitigation and wildlife conservation management strategies in biodiverse aridland regions. We recommend that managers mitigate or avoid development in rural areas that possess high biodiversity, valuable waterways or migration corridors, and populations of vulnerable species.

This study explored the role of the hydrological regime as a trigger factor for wildlife roadkill along a 22 km road crossing the Taim Wetland, a Ramsar site of international importance in South Brazil. The north–south crossing of BR-471, a federal highway, causes fatalities to numerous animals due to collisions with vehicles. An 11-year long-term time series study encompassing monthly roadkill incidents, water level, and rainfall was analyzed by considering three different periods related to a Wildlife Protection System (WPS): (i) 3 initial years before the WPS implementation (BWPS); (ii) 4 intermediate years after the WPS implementation (AWPS), which includes fences, fauna tunnels, cattle guard stocks, bumps, and speed control; (iii) 4 final years during partial destruction of the WPS (PDWPS). A pseudo-2D full hydrodynamic cell model was employed to fill missing water level data. The model had a good to very good performance (NSE: 0.73 to 0.87; R2: 0.79 to 0.90). The relationship between roadkill incidents and the WPS periods (BWPS, AWPS, and PDWPS) was modeled using Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS), considering rainfall and water level as predictor variables. The analysis revealed a higher incidence of wildlife roadkill in BWPS compared to AWPS and PDWPS, suggesting the effectiveness of the implemented measures. Critical season and interplay between water levels, rainfall, and the roadkill were assessed. Mammals was the most common roadkill class identified (~92%), followed by reptiles (13%) and birds (2%), with no change in these percentual in the BWPS, AWPS, and PDWPS. Among mammals, capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and coypu (Myocastor coypu) were the most frequent victims (~93% of mammals). Winter, followed by autumn, recorded the highest number of roadkill incidents (>60%), and this pattern remained consistent during the three periods. While rainfall did not emerge as a determining variable for roadkill, water levels above certain thresholds (>3.3 m) drastically diminished the effectiveness of the WPS, mainly due to fauna tunnel submersion. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing wildlife conservation strategies in this protected area by incorporating hydrological information providing a baseline for designing WPS in similar environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The wildcats (Felis silvestris) and Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) are species of special relevance in the Spanish fauna and are protected, as their populations are small and the lynx is classified as endangered. Both feline species can become infected by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can cause morbidity and mortality in transplacentally infected or immunocompromised mammals. The data on the prevalence of this parasite in Spanish wild populations of wildcats and lynx were last reported 10 years ago, so the objective of this study is to update this information and assess the importance of these felines in the parasite's epidemiology and the potential impact of the parasite on the conservation of these species. Wild populations show a high prevalence, necessitating the establishment of monitoring programs to assess the health status of these animals. The wildcat (Felis silvestris) and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) are important species in Spain, considered as near-threatened and endangered, respectively. Both can be infected by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can cause morbidity and mortality in transplacentally-infected or immunocompromised mammals. The data on the prevalence of this parasite in wild populations of these species in Spain are outdated. The objective of this study was to update information and evaluate the role of these felines in parasite epidemiology and the potential impact of the parasite on their conservation. Blood and fecal samples were collected from captured animals, as well as the tongue, diaphragm, and spleen, from animals killed in road accidents in central Spain. An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect parasite antibodies in serum, microscopy and molecular analysis were used to detect oocysts in feces, and molecular analysis was used to determine the existence of tissue cysts. Seroprevalence was 85% in wildcats and 45% in lynx, and parasite DNA was detected in the feces of one wildcat and in tissue samples from 10 wildcats and 11 Iberian lynxes. These results highlight the epidemiological importance and high risk of T. gondii infection in animals and humans in the studied areas. Considering feline susceptibility to infection, monitoring programs are needed to assess the health status of wild felines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the habitat selection patterns of animals is important for developing land-use plans for species conservation. The death of endangered Amami rabbits (Pentalagus furnessi), which are found only on two islands in Japan, due to vehicle collisions is a serious problem. To reduce the incidence of road kill and conserve the population of Amami rabbits, factors that contribute to the species' proximity to roads need to be examined. We examined the habitat selection of Amami rabbits by counting their fecal pellet groups on roads on Tokuno-Shima Island, Japan. We obtained 101 presence observations, which revealed that Amami rabbits select areas close to natural forests, farmlands, and rivers and areas with steeper slopes. The selection by the species of natural forest and farmland is likely due to the availability of herbaceous and shrub plants at forest edges and crops and weeds in farmland for foraging. The high utilization of steep-sloping terrain could help Amami rabbits minimize predation risk from the native habu pit viper (Protobothrops flavoviridis). The frequent utilization of forest edges and farmland by Amami rabbits increases their risk of becoming road kill and the risk of crop damage, which are serious problems on the island. To prevent Amami rabbits from crossing roads and reduce crop damage, fences should be constructed particularly in high-rabbit-density areas, and should not facilitate population fragmentation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads are important drivers of habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation that affect global biodiversity. Detrimental effects of roads include direct mortality of individual animals, spread of habitat-altering invasive plants, and loss of demographic and genetic connectivity of wildlife populations. Various measures address the negative effects of roads on wildlife. However, most strategies for minimizing or mitigating the effects of roads are focused on the actual roads themselves rather than on the collective travel network across landscapes. We summarized a growing body of literature that has documented the effects of road density on wildlife populations and the benefits associated with lower densities. This literature supports the application of limits on road density as a viable tool for managing cumulative effects. Based on these examples, we recommend road densities, including all linear features used for travel, of less than 0.6 km/km2 as a general target for travel management in areas where wildlife conservation is a priority. Lower densities may be necessary in particularly sensitive areas, whereas higher densities may be appropriate in areas less important to landscape-level conservation and wildlife connectivity. Public policy and funding also are needed to address challenges of enforcing off-highway vehicle regulations. In applying this general overview to a case study of the Mojave desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii, we found that all management plans across the species' range lack considerations of road density and that tortoise populations declined within all conservation areas with road densities of more than 0.75 km/km2. From this, we provide several travel management recommendations specific to Mojave desert tortoise conservation beginning with identifying the entire travel network within management areas. Specific actions for managing or setting limits for road density depend on the site-specific biological or management context, for instance relative to habitat quality or proximity to designated tortoise conservation areas. In addition, increasing law enforcement and public outreach will improve enforcement and compliance of travel regulations, and installing tortoise-exclusion fencing along highways will reduce road kills and allow tortoise populations to reoccupy depleted areas adjacent to highways. Implementation of these recommendations would improve the prospects of reversing desert tortoise population declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) raise concerns for both human safety and animal welfare. As the literature has reported increased animal-related crash frequency on full moon nights in several regions, we investigated if a similar pattern is observed in Texas. We counted WVC and non-WVC frequencies on full moon nights and new moon nights in Texas between January 2011 and January 2020. The analysis revealed a 45.80% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.94%–61.29%) increase in WVCs on full moon nights compared to new moon nights, with no statistically significant difference for non-WVCs (95% CI: -2.58%–1.45%). The association was more pronounced in rural areas than in urban areas. It is likely that brighter moonlight is strongly associated with higher WVC rates. The results illuminate the importance of heightened caution for drivers even on bright nights, particularly when driving through areas with high wildlife density. • We counted nighttime wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) over 112 synodic periods. • Full moon nights had nearly 46% more WVCs than new moon nights. • The effect was more apparent in rural areas than urban areas. • Non-WVCs showed no statistical difference between the two lunar phases. • Where wild animals are, it is better to drive carefully even on bright nights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the recent distribution of the marbled polecat Vormela peregusna in the central Western Bulgaria since 2000 are presented. The information collected suggests that the species is numerous in the study area. The significant share of registrations of individuals killed on the road shows that road traffic poses a serious threat to the marbled polecat in the area. The collected data coupled with literature data from the previous period reveal the importance of the studied area for the conservation of the species in the region. Thanatosis posture (death feigning) was described and photographed in a male marbled polecat. This observation contributes to clarification of this phenomenon and its use by mammals, in particular by carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a piscivorous apex predator in aquatic habitats, and a flagship species of conservation biology throughout Europe. Despite the wide distribution and ecological relevance of the species, there is a considerable lack of knowledge regarding its virological and veterinary health context, especially in Central Europe. Canine morbillivirus (Canine distemper virus (CDV)) is a highly contagious viral agent of the family Paramyxoviridae with high epizootic potential and veterinary health impact. CDV is present worldwide among a wide range of animals; wild carnivores are at particular risk. As part of a retrospective study, lung-tissue samples (n = 339) from Eurasian otters were collected between 2000 and 2021 throughout Hungary. The samples were screened for CDV using a real-time RT-PCR method. Two specimens proved positive for CDV RNA. In one sample, the complete viral genome was sequenced using a novel, pan-genotype CDV-specific amplicon-based sequencing method with Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology. Both viral sequences were grouped to a European lineage based on the hemagglutinin-gene phylogenetic classification. In this article, we present the feasibility of road-killed animal samples for understanding the long-term dynamics of CDV among wildlife and provide novel virological sequence data to better understand CDV circulation and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In winter 2016–7, Europe was severely hit by an unprecedented epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), causing a significant impact on animal health, wildlife conservation, and livestock economic sustainability. By applying phylodynamic tools to virus sequences collected during the epidemic, we investigated when the first infections occurred, how many infections were unreported, which factors influenced virus spread, and how many spillover events occurred. HPAIV was likely introduced into poultry farms during the autumn, in line with the timing of wild birds' migration. In Germany, Hungary, and Poland, the epidemic was dominated by farm-to-farm transmission, showing that understanding of how farms are connected would greatly help control efforts. In the Czech Republic, the epidemic was dominated by wild bird-to-farm transmission, implying that more sustainable prevention strategies should be developed to reduce HPAIV exposure from wild birds. Inferred transmission parameters will be useful to parameterize predictive models of HPAIV spread. None of the predictors related to live poultry trade, poultry census, and geographic proximity were identified as supportive predictors of HPAIV spread between farms across borders. These results are crucial to better understand HPAIV transmission dynamics at the domestic–wildlife interface with the view to reduce the impact of future epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main factors affecting specific road casualty rates are related to life-history traits, road features, and landscape variables. After road inauguration, roadkill rate and spatial and temporal patterns can change substantially due to changes in traffic intensity, avoidance behaviour or local population decline. Despite the Canary Islands constituting a biodiversity hotspot, Canarian ecosystems are highly threatened because of the high human density, and studies on anthropogenic sources of mortality of wildlife are scarce. Here, we counted roadkills during two annual cycles after the inauguration of an 8.8-km-road section on Tenerife, the largest and most densely populated island of the Canaries. We counted 694 roadkills belonging to a minimum of 19 species of birds and six species of introduced mammals. Seasonal variation was apparent during both annual cycles, particularly for birds, being the majority of victims concentrated in May and June. Although traffic intensity increased since road inauguration, the number of roadkills decreased significantly in the second annual cycle. The reduction in road mortality in the second cycle could be related to some non-mutually exclusive factors such as population decline, road avoidance, or weather conditions. As road networks of the Canary Islands are still increasing, further studies quantifying road mortality impacts on Canarian ecosystems and threatened species are urgently needed to guarantee the management and conservation of its fragile wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of transport infrastructure is a major threat to endangered species worldwide. Roads and railways can increase animal mortality, fragment habitats, and exacerbate other threats to biodiversity. Predictive models that forecast the future impacts to endangered species can guide land-use planning in ways that proactively reduce the negative effects of transport infrastructure. Agent-based models are well suited for predictive scenario testing, yet their application to endangered species conservation is rare. Here, we developed a spatially explicit, agent-based model to forecast the effects of transport infrastructure on an isolated tiger (Panthera tigris) population in Nepal's Chitwan National Parka global biodiversity hotspot. Specifically, our model evaluated the independent and interactive effects of two mechanisms by which transport infrastructure may affect tigers: (a) increasing tiger mortality, e.g., via collisions with vehicles, and (b) depleting prey near infrastructure. We projected potential impacts on tiger population dynamics based on the: (i) existing transportation network in and near the park, and (ii) the inclusion of a proposed railway intersecting through the park's buffer zone. Our model predicted that existing roads would kill 46 tigers over 20 years via increased mortality, and reduced the adult tiger population by 39% (133 to 81). Adding the proposed railway directly killed 10 more tigers over those 20 years; deaths that reduced the overall tiger population by 30 more individuals (81 to 51). Road-induced mortality also decreased the proportion of time a tiger occupied a given site by 5 years in the 20-year simulation. Interestingly, we found that transportation-induced depletion of prey decreased tiger occupancy by nearly 20% in sites close to roads and the railway, thereby reducing tiger exposure to transportation-induced mortality. The results of our model constitute a strong argument for taking into account prey distributions into the planning of roads and railways. Our model can promote tiger-friendly transportation development, for example, by improving Environmental Impact Assessments, identifying "no go" zones where transport infrastructure should be prohibited, and recommending alternative placement of roads and railways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding species' distribution, population trends, and the significance of threatening processes are central to the effective conservation and management of wildlife. The island state of Tasmania, Australia, is home to two of the three extant subspecies of common wombat Vombatus ursinus ursinus and V. u. tasmaniensis , both endemic to the state. We provide a comprehensive conservation assessment of both subspecies in Tasmania, providing information on distribution and habitat, population trends and incidence of roadkill. Wombats are widespread in Tasmania, occurring in most vegetation communities, but particularly in agricultural areas, dry eucalypt forests and woodlands, and grasslands. Wombat roadkills are widespread along most major roads, with the interaction of traffic speed and wombat density likely to be one of the main causes of wombat roadkill along roads with low traffic volume. Despite this, and other factors that impact wombats including sarcoptic mange and targeted culling, population indices from standardised spotlight surveys have increased by 2.6 times over the past 36 years for V. u. tasmaniensis on mainland Tasmania and by 4.2 times over the past 27 years for V. u. ursinus on Flinders Island. Based on IUCN criteria for distribution extent and population size and trends, neither subspecies qualifies for up-listing to Threatened. Nevertheless, because of risks to wombats (e.g. disease and roadkill) ongoing monitoring and research into effective mitigation is warranted. There is concern for the conservation status of the two endemic subspecies of common wombat in Tasmania, Australia. This study showed that wombats and roadkill are widespread in Tasmania, and that overall wombat populations have increased over the past 36 years and do not qualify for listing as Threatened. Potential risks to wombat populations such as disease and roadkill, warrant on-going monitoring and research into effective mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores although vulture feeding stations are a widely used tool for vulture conservation in many regions worldwide, there has been some confusion about their functions and this is reflected in the range of terminology used. The origin of food supply at provisioning sites (both for in situ and ex situ situations) and the goals of feeding station managers (ranging from purely conservation of vultures to the necessity for carcass disposal).

The decline of many woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations is thought to be linked with habitat disturbances resulting from industrial development, including timber harvesting and its network of haul roads. Defining a disturbance‐abundance relationship offers a tool to assess and potentially manage for the influence of disturbance on caribou abundance. Defining this relationship is challenged by limited historical land use and abundance data, the choice of a disturbance measure, and variability in the relationship between subpopulations and across core versus matrix habitat. For 12 subpopulations of woodland caribou within the southern mountain population, we linked longitudinal caribou abundance data with historical forestry disturbances simulated from forest harvest data. We compared disturbance measures estimating the proportion of forested area commercially harvested with even‐aged, regeneration treatments (cutblocks) and converted to roads for transporting timber within subpopulation‐specific core and matrix habitats as predictors of caribou abundance. Non‐linear mixed models provided evidence that disturbances in matrix habitats negatively influenced caribou abundance, with the effects in core habitat being variable between subpopulations. Of the disturbance types evaluated, the best predictors included roads buffered by 50 m (R50), cutblocks ≤80 years old, and the cumulation of cutblocks ≤80 years old plus roads buffered by 50 m. The top‐ranked model was composed of R50 present in core and in matrix habitats. This model predicted a 42% (95% CI = 33–51%) reduction in caribou abundance for every 1% increase in matrix R50 (holding core R50 constant). Given the lack of pre‐forestry abundance data, we failed to directly derive critical disturbance thresholds; however, our models could be used to estimate subpopulation‐specific habitat‐disturbance thresholds necessary to achieve abundance targets. We recommend that in addition to existing protections of core habitat, few if any new roads should be built in core habitat, and that timber harvest in matrix habitat should be designed to minimize the establishment of associated roads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The road network is increasing globally but the consequences of roadkill on the viability of wildlife populations are largely unknown. We provide a framework that allows us to estimate how risk of extinction of local populations increases due to roadkill and to generate a global assessment that identifies which mammalian species are most vulnerable to roadkill and the areas where they occur. Location: Global. Time period: 1995–2015. Major taxa studied: Terrestrial mammals. Methods: We introduce a framework to quantify the effect of roadkill on terrestrial mammals worldwide that includes three steps: (a) compilation of roadkill rates to estimate the fraction of a local population killed on the roads, (b) prediction of population risk of extinction based on observed roadkill rates (for a target group of species of conservation concern and non‐threatened species with high roadkill rates), and (c) global assessment of vulnerability to roadkill for 4,677 terrestrial mammalian species estimated using phylogenetic regression models that link extinction risk to demographic parameters. Results: We identified four populations among the 70 species in the target group that could become extinct in 50 years if observed roadkill levels persist in the study areas: maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (Brazil), little spotted cat Leopardus tigrinus (Brazil), brown hyena Hyaena brunnea (Southern Africa) and leopard Panthera pardus (North India). The global assessment revealed roadkill as an added risk for 2.7% (n = 124) terrestrial mammals, including 83 species Threatened or Near Threatened. We identified regions of concern that have species vulnerable to roadkill with high road densities in areas of South Africa, central and Southeast Asia, and the Andes. Main conclusions: Our framework revealed populations of threatened species that require special attention and can be incorporated into management and planning strategies informing road managers and conservation agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographic distribution of a species is a fundamental component in understanding its ecology and is necessary for forming effective conservation plans. For rare and elusive species of conservation concern, accurate maps of predicted occurrence are particularly problematic and often highly subjective. Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) populations have experienced large declines since the 1940s. Their elusive behavior and perceived rarity result in low detection probability when using conventional methods for sampling small mammals. Low detection probability often causes uncertainty as to where Eastern Spotted Skunks could be a management concern. We modeled the distribution of predicted occurrence of Eastern Spotted Skunks using verifiable occurrence and non-detection records obtained throughout Virginia from 2010 to 2020. Occurrence data consisted of trapping records reported to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, incidental photo-verified reports of sightings and road-killed animals, and remote-camera detections. Non-detections were presumed at baited remote-camera locations following intense survey efforts. We fit predicted occurrence models using generalized linear modeling in an information-theoretic framework using the package 'stats' in Program R. Our results incidated a greater probability of presence from the Blue Ridge westward, increasing with slope steepness along northeastern- to southeastern-facing slopes and decreasing with slope steepness along southeastern- to southwestern-facing slopes. Emergent rock outcrops prominent along northeastern slopes offer ample protective rocky cover, whereas mixed Quercus spp. (oak), Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel), and Rhododendron maximum (Rosebay Rhododendron) forest communities along southern-facing slopes provide suitable areas of cover, both of which are critical for spotted skunk survival and reproductive success. Our analysis provides insight into the relationships between landscape features and Eastern Spotted Skunk distributions across Virginia. Understanding these relationships is critical for the effective management and conservation of this vulnerable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife‐vehicle collisions (WVCs) are a major source of wildlife mortality and should affect regional wildlife diversity and abundance, yet most WVC studies are locally scaled. Here, we evaluated biogeographic diversity (i.e., species richness, effective diversity) and abundance of WVCs at state parks across the Florida peninsula to answer two questions aimed to help inform wildlife conservation efforts: which parks have greatest WVC diversity, and why? We processed and compiled 9,254 WVC survey records collected by Florida State Parks personnel at 42 parks during a decade (2005–2015). Data for birds (138 species), mammals (35 species), reptiles (64 species), and all taxa combined were analyzed for patterns among parks (for the first question) and for biogeographic, climatic, ecoregion, and anthropogenic predictors of those patterns (for the second). Predictors represented nonexclusive alternative a priori hypotheses and were evaluated by model comparison. Parks differed widely in WVC diversity and abundance; we identify "hot spot" parks where management may most effectively reduce WVCs. Biogeographic and anthropogenic hypotheses were supported, but climatic and ecoregion hypotheses were not. Models for overall diversity fit data better (R2s > 0.50) than did models for specific taxa (e.g., birds). Larger parks closer to Florida's highly populated Atlantic Coast and with greater park attendance and perhaps faster speeds on adjacent roads have more WVC diversity and numbers. Of these predictors, attendance and speed limits are manageable. Traffic management in and near‐identified "hot spot" parks in Florida can most effectively reduce WVC effects on wildlife populations and diversity amidst a growing human population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on bat casualties was carried out between 2013 and 2016 on the 16-km road stretch passing through the Kresna Gorge - a European biodiversity hotspot with high conservation value. We found 78 road-killed bats belonging to ten species, adding new data on the bat species composition in the gorge. We identified one road section as a roadkill hotspot (a place where bats experienced collisions more frequently). Our analyses showed that more numerous bat casualties occurred on road segments close to bat roosts and on segments with bridges. The construction of a motorway through the Kresna Gorge has been planned for the near future. The consequent loss of large portions of high-quality habitats and the increase of bat road casualties due to the higher velocity and traffic intensity would negatively influence the bat populations in the region. The identified hotspots could be useful for the planning of appropriate mitigation measures against the bat roadkill in this and other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fragmentation of forests by agricultural expansion, urbanization, and road networks is an ongoing global biodiversity crisis. In Southeast Asia and other tropical regions, wildlife populations are being isolated into pockets of natural habitat surrounded by road networks and monoculture plantations. Mortality from wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) is contributing to a decline in many species of conservation priority in human‐modified landscapes. This study is the first in Malaysia to investigate factors affecting the occurrence of WVCs. We assessed roadkill data gathered by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks on small‐, medium‐, and large‐sized mammals in Peninsular Malaysia. We examined the relationship between wildlife road accidents and several environmental factors. We found a total of 605 roadkill animals, involving 21 species, which included three species classified as Endangered. Road type (plantation road or highway), year, and distance of the road from continuous and fragmented forests were significant in determining mammal mortality. Unexpectedly, the majority of road mortality occurred on palm oil plantation roads compared to highways. Mortality of small‐ and medium‐sized mammals was greater at locations further from continuous forest than those closer to fragmented forests. Segmentation of continuous forest by roads should be avoided wherever possible to reduce the threat of roads on crossing wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wombats are large marsupial grazers native to Australia. They are 'ecosystem engineers' due to their burrowing, impacting rates of soil turnover, assisting with nutrient cycling and water infiltration, and creating habitat for other species. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of available information on the habitat and distribution, abundance and threats to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus), and to provide a critical review of the current gaps in our knowledge to aid future management of the species. Bare-nosed wombats were previously widespread. Since European settlement their range has reduced. While habitat loss and contraction impact population numbers, bare-nosed wombat populations are also threatened by roadkill, introduced species, legal and illegal human persecution, and disease. Further research is required to understand the historic range of bare-nosed wombats, as well as current population numbers, so that we can determine the threats that most significantly impact this species. Increasing our understanding of habitat requirements, distribution and population numbers, as well as how to mitigate threats, will aid future management and conservation strategies for the species. Bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) are native Australian marsupials. Since European arrival, the wombat has lost habitat and population numbers through a number of threats including road kill, introduced species, disease and culling. This review provides an overview of current research on wombats, focusing on their distribution, population and threats. The gaps identified through this review include distribution, population numbers and threat mitigation. Further research in these areas is necessary to improve species conservation. Photograph by Julie Old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) are extremely rare in Nepal, and only a few people have studied them in their natural forest and grassland habitat. Their rarity is due to anthropogenic pressures such as hunting, habitat modification, being killed on roads, and depletion of their natural prey. Here, we studied the feeding ecology of hyenas in lowland, Nepal. We employed an opportunistic sampling to collect hyena scats in a range of habitats and the line transect sampling to identify the prey of the hyena in the study site. We collected 68 hyena scats between 2015 and 2018. Most of the hyena scat (39.7%) was found in the Churia Hill forest followed by riverbed (26.4%), mixed forest (14.7%), Sal (Shorea robusta)‐dominated forest (11.7%), and grassland area (7.3%). We found eleven mammalian prey species, plants, and some unidentified items in the hyena scats. The frequency of occurrence and relative biomass of the medium‐sized wild boar (Sus scrofa) were higher than other smaller prey species such as hare (Lepus nigricollis) and rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). Similarly, the proportion of large prey species such as nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in the hyena diet was lower compared with wild boar, hares, and rhesus macaques indicating medium‐sized wild boar is the most preferred prey species. Livestock contributed 17.3% of the total dietary biomass. Domesticated species such as goats, sheep, cows, and even dogs were found in the diet of hyenas. Predation of livestock by hyenas could cause conflict, especially if this ongoing issue continues in the future. Rather, more conservation effort is required in lowland areas of Nepal to protect the hyenas' natural prey species, particularly in wildlife habitats to reduce the lure of taking domestic livestock. Similarly, conservation education at the local level and active involvement of government authorities in the conservation of this species might be helpful to mitigate human–hyena conflict in the human‐dominated landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

124 If Chapter 869 proves as popular as other states' roadkill salvage programs, the state will see a reduction in the amount of wasted viable meat. Roadkill Salvaging Laws and Mitigation Efforts Across the States Roadkill salvaging laws vary from state to state, as well as the purpose for enacting such laws. 149 Other states have proven these mitigation strategies are effective at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, so the state does not need another study to prove it. 150 V. CONCLUSION California joined many other states by enacting Chapter 869. See supra Section IV.B (describing how the popularity of roadkill salvaging programs in other states is likely to be mirrored in California, and therefore, the state will see a reduction in meat waste, even if the reflection is minimal). [Extracted from the article]

Threat assessment is critical to species conservation and management planning, because prior identification and assessment of key threats to conservation planning can assist in developing appropriate interventions or strategies. Comprehensive threat assessments are currently lacking for many threatened primates. In this paper, we classify and rank all direct threats to the endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) in Bhutan in order to provide a practical guide to future conservation of the species. Information on threats was based on interviews with local people, discussion with field forestry staff, and social media interaction. We classified threats to golden langur habitats and populations, and ranked them using Miradi™, an analytical software for the adaptive management of conservation projects. We identified five habitat threats: (1) hydropower development, (2) road development, (3) housing development, (4) resource extraction, and (5) agricultural expansion. We also identified seven population threats: (1) electrocution, (2) road kill, (3) road injury, (4) dog kill, (5) retaliatory killing, (6) illegal pet keeping, and (7) hybridization with capped langurs. We rated the overall threat to golden langurs in Bhutan as 'medium'. Hydropower, road, and housing development constituted 'high' impact, while agricultural expansion, resource extraction, electrocution, and road kill had 'medium' impact; the remaining threats had 'low' impact. To immediately mitigate threats to golden langurs, we recommend: (a) installing speed limit signage and speed breakers with strict enforcement of speed limits; (b) installing insulated electric cables and fencing around power transformers; and (c) reducing and restraining domestic dog populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study contributes to the improvement of knowledge on road ecology, roadkill and landscape connectivity. • Relationships between landscape connectivity and roadkill data were analyzed. • The methodological framework appears to be useful for locating areas for mitigation measures. Linear transportation infrastructure affects the ability of wildlife species to live and move through anthropized landscapes. Mitigation measures are thus needed to maintain population viability. Several methods have been employed to determine optimal locations for these measures, including connectivity modeling, which targets areas with the strongest connectivity and/or potential connectivity gains. However, these results are seldom compared to biological data, such as roadkill. The objective of our study is to: i) to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between roadkill and connectivity, ii) to spatially identify road sections with a high risk of roadkill and, iii) to compare high-risk roadkill areas with the locations identified for potential mitigation measures. We performed a generalized linear model to explain occurrence and abundance of roadkill and predict high-risk roadkill areas. The mitigation measures corresponded to either i) existing crossing structures that could be enhanced to facilitate wildlife passage, selected from the initial connectivity or ii) new wildlife crossings designed to reconnect habitats identified through connectivity gains. Our results indicate that connectivity significantly influences the occurrence and abundance of roadkill. However, the high-risk roadkill areas only partially align with the locations designated for mitigation measures. Since some roadkill occurs outside of high-connectivity areas, factors other than connectivity must also be taken into consideration. This study offers valuable insights and underscores the complexity of the relationships between connectivity, roadkill, and mitigation efforts. Furthermore, by integrating spatial modeling, mitigation strategies, and roadkill data, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of corridor restoration areas and their importance in species conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicle-wildlife collisions have been reported to be a great threat to wildlife survival and traffic safety in many countries (Das, Ahmed, Lahkar, & Sharma, [9]; Hobday & Minstrell, [14]; Seiler, [37]). Else-ways, spatial determinants of vehicle-wildlife collisions encompass variation in animal abundance, the location of preferred foraging habitats, human settlements, landscape topography, road and traffic characteristics and fence location (Hubbard, Danielson, & Schmitz, [15]; Nielsen, Anderson, & Grund, [29]). On average, one vehicle collision with a medium/large wild mammal occurred approximately every 4 days at an encounter rate of 0.03 animals/km. Wildlife warning reflectors and white canvas reduce deer-vehicle collisions and risky road-crossing behavior. [Extracted from the article]

The development of transportation infrastructure has been identified as one of the main pressures on biodiversity. The effects of transport infrastructure are more documented for terrestrial mammals, birds and amphibians than for bats. To assess the impacts of roads on bat activity, we carried out full-night acoustic recordings of bat calls at 306 sampling points at different distances from a major road at three study sites in France. To assess the relationship between bat activity and the distance to the major road, we performed generalized linear mixed model analyses for thirteen different species or groups and additionally explored the non-linear effect with generalized additive mixed models. Our results showed that low-flying species are more affected than high-flying species. Indeed, we found a significant negative effect of major roads on bat activity for the 'clutter-adapted' species, Eptesicus serotinus , Myotis spp., Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Rhinolophus hipposideros. These results demonstrate that the road-effect zone of major roads extends up to five kilometres. Extrapolating those road-effects zones to the major roads in the European Union, we estimated that 35% of the European Union is potentially negatively impacted. Finally, it seems urgent to consider these road effects with the cumulative effects of other roads by improving habitat connectivity and foraging areas in land use policies. Additionally, to implement drastic conservation practices for species of conservation concern in environmental impact assessment studies, efficient mitigation and offset measures implemented should be sized proportionally to the disturbance caused. • Major roads affect activity in five of the thirteen studied taxa. • Low-flying species are more affected than those that fly in the open. • Road impacts may be due to road kills, traffic disturbance and ruptured connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Road networks can have serious ecological consequences for many species, mainly through habitat fragmentation and mortality due to collisions with vehicles. One example of a species impacted by roads is the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), currently listed as Vulnerable by IUCN. Here we analysed the relative effect of fragmentation and mortality due to roads on giant anteater populations and show the critical areas for their persistence in Brazil. We estimated minimum patch size and maximum road density to evaluate the impact of the road network and observed road-kills on this species. We explored different scenarios by varying values of dispersal capacity to estimate the minimum patch size, and also of population densities to estimate maximum road density for giant anteater persistence. Our findings indicated that the minimum patch size can be from 498 to 247 km2 and the maximum road density can vary between 0.21 and 0.55 km/km2 in pessimist and optimistic scenarios, respectively. In Brazil, habitat fragmentation seemed to have a major impact over giant anteater populations. Habitat fragmentation due to roads seemed to have a more negative effect than mortality due to collisions with vehicles. Critical areas for the species persistence can represent 32% of its range in the optimistic scenario with 18% of suitable patches below the minimum size and 0.1% above the maximum road density. This study provides insights and implications for road networks on giant anteater populations in Brazil and guidance on road density and patch size thresholds for land managers and road agencies charged with planning ecologically sustainable roads in Brazil. Highlights • Habitat fragmentation can be more detrimental than road-kills. • Between 18% and 21% of suitable habitat is below the minimum patch size. • Between 0.1% and 1% of species range is above the maximum road density. • Critical areas for species persistence represent 32–36% of the species range. • Conservation opportunities exist in northern areas while southern needs mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: Road escape ramps are structures developed in the USA to enable large mammals that become trapped on the roadside of a wildlife fence to escape the road and avoid vehicle collision. They are now commonly installed in eastern Australia to enable the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and other fauna to escape through a roadside exclusion fence and return to the forest. We investigated the use of seven of 14 escape ramps over three years on the Oxley Highway at Port Macquarie in New South Wales. The Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) was the most frequently detected species, traversing the escape ramps on 502 occasions, followed by bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus and Perameles nasuta) on 148 occasions. Various other species were detected but no Koalas. Swamp Wallabies moved through the escape ramps in the reverse direction (i.e. towards the road) in 53% of detections of that species and bandicoots in 14% of their detections. There was no obvious pattern by these species of proportionately higher use of ramps closer to the end of the exclusion fences. The large number of reverse passages through the escape ramps reveals a poor design of these structures. Trials with taller ramps are required to determine how to minimise reverse passages. Concurrent monitoring of three underpasses detected numerous crossings by large mammals including Swamp Wallabies, and some crossings by Koalas. We believe evidence is needed to demonstrate the necessity for escape ramps along Australian highways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Transportation and wildlife agencies may consider the need for barrier structures and safe wildlife road-crossings to maintain the long-term viability of wildlife populations. In order to prioritize these efforts, it is important to identify species that are most at risk of extirpation from road-related impacts.Purpose: Our goal was to identify reptiles and amphibians in California most susceptible to road mortality and fragmentation. With over 160 species and a lack of species-specific research data, we developed an objective risk assessment method based upon road ecology science.Methods: Risk scoring was based upon a suite of life history and space-use characteristics associated with negative road effects applied in a hierarchical manner from individuals to species. We evaluated risk to both aquatic and terrestrial connectivity and calculated buffer distances to encompass 95% of population-level movements. We ranked species into five relative categories of road-related risk (very-high to very-low) based upon 20% increments of all species scores.Results: All chelonids, 72% of snakes, 50% of anurans, 18% of lizards and 17% of salamander species in California were ranked at high or very-high risk from negative road impacts. Results were largely consistent with local and global scientific literature in identifying high risk species and groups. Conclusions: This comparative risk assessment method provides a science-based framework to identify species most susceptible to negative road impacts. The results can inform regional-scale road mitigation planning and prioritization efforts and threat assessments for special-status species. We believe this approach is applicable to numerous landscapes and taxonomic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insular wildlife is more prone to extinction than their mainland relatives. Thus, a basic understanding of non-natural mortality sources is the first step in the development of conservation management plans. The Canary Islands are an important tourist destination due to their unique climate and rich scenery and biodiversity. During the last few decades, there has been significant development of urban areas and busy road networks. However, there have been no studies describing the effects of road mortality on wildlife in this archipelago. We describe the temporal and spatial patterns of wildlife roadkill in Lanzarote (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), using counts from cars for an entire annual cycle. A total of 666 roadkills were recorded (monthly average of 0.09 birds/km and 0.14 mammals/km) comprising at least 37 species including native birds and introduced mammals. Seasonal abundance, richness and diversity of roadkills showed a high peak during summer months for both mammals and birds. GLMs indicated that accidents (including birds and mammals) have a higher probability of occurrence close to houses and on roads with high speed limits. When analysed separately, mammal kills occurred in sectors with high speed limits, close to houses and in areas surrounded by exotic bushes, while bird roadkills appeared in road sectors with high speed limits, close to houses and low traffic volume. Our findings highlight that roads are a potential threat to native birds in the eastern Canary Islands. Detailed studies on the local population dynamics of highly affected species, such as the Houbara Bustard, Eurasian Stone Curlew, Barn Owl or Southern Shrike, are urgently needed to determine whether these levels of road mortality are sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization between wild species and their domestic congeners is considered a major threat for wildlife conservation. Genetic integrity of the European wildcat, for instance, is a concern as they are outnumbered by domestic cats by several orders of magnitude throughout its range. We genotyped 1,071 individual wildcat samples obtained from hair traps and roadkills collected across the highly fragmented forests of western Central Europe, in Germany and Luxembourg, to assess domestic cat introgression in wildcats in human-dominated landscapes. Analyses using a panel of 75 autosomal SNPs suggested a low hybridization rate, with 3.5% of wildcat individuals being categorized as F1, F2, or backcrosses to either parental taxon. We report that results based on a set of SNPs were more consistent than on a set of 14 microsatellite markers, showed higher accuracy to detect hybrids and their class in simulation analyses, and were less affected by underlying population structure. Our results strongly suggest that very high hybridization rates previously reported for Central Europe may be partly due to inadequate choice of markers and/or sampling design. Our study documents that an adequately selected SNP panel for hybrid detection may be used as an alternative to commonly applied microsatellite markers, including studies relying on noninvasively collected samples. In addition, our finding of overall low hybridization rates in Central European wildcats provides an example of successful wildlife coexistence in human-dominated, fragmented landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turtles face a variety of threats (e.g. habitat destruction, introduced predators) that are pushing many species towards extinction. Vehicle collisions are one of the main causes of mortality of adult freshwater turtles. To conceptualise the level of threat that roads pose to Australians turtles, we analysed data gathered through the citizen science project TurtleSAT along the Murray River. We recorded 124 occurrences of turtle road mortality, which included all three local species (Chelodina expansa , Chelodina longicollis , and Emydura macquarii). Chelodina longicollis was the most commonly reported species killed on roads. We found that rain and time of year affect the likelihood of C. longicollis being killed on roads: increased turtle mortality is associated with rain events and is highest during the month of November, which coincides with their nesting season. Chelodina longicollis was most likely to be killed on the Hume Highway and roads around major urban centres; therefore, we recommend that governing bodies focus management practices and increase awareness at these locations. The degree of road mortality that we detected in this study requires mitigation, as it may contribute to the decline of C. longicollis along the Murray River. We used data collected through the citizen science project TurtleSAT to describe the patterns of road mortality of freshwater turtles along the Murray River. The long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) was the species most commonly reported dead on roads. We discovered a relationship between the likelihood of C. longicollis road mortality, rainfall and time of year. We also observed that dual carriageways such as the Hume Highway were the most likely locations where C. longicollis could be killed. Photo by Claudia Santori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly expanding global road network poses threats to wildlife, including direct mortality. Given limited knowledge and resources, strategic allocation is critical. We introduce a method to identify areas and taxa affected by vehicle collisions as priorities to study and protect. The method is illustrated using Latin America as a case study. In this region high biodiversity and an expanding road network can result in high impacts from roads, yet emerging research expertise offers opportunities for action. To identify priority targets, we combined predicted spatially-explicit roadkill rates for birds and mammals with information about the current road network and species conservation status. Priority areas for conservation (with many species susceptible to roadkill but few or inexistent roads) were largely concentrated in the Amazon, while priority areas for research (unstudied regions with many roads and many species susceptible to roadkill) occur in various areas from Southern Mexico to Chile. Priority taxa for conservation reflected studied, roadkill-susceptible groups (e.g., vultures and armadillos), while priority taxa for research were defined as either poorly-studied roadkill-susceptible groups or unstudied groups of conservation concern (e.g., cuckoos and shrew opossums). Our approach offers a tool that could be applied to other areas and taxa to facilitate a more strategic allocation of resources in conservation and research in road ecology. • Roadkill data and traits define areas and species for protection and research. • Future road developments in the Amazon could be devastating for biodiversity. • Research on road impacts are urgently needed in Central America and northern South America. • Vultures, armadillos, cuckoos and shrew opossums need more protection and research. • Our new framework can guide the allocation of resources for conservation and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic reports (TR) about wildlife-vehicle collisions drafted by traffic safety authorities or the departments of transportation constitute a source of information only rarely taken into account in biological studies, but one that could be useful because it is constant, abundant, inexpensive, and has nearly complete territorial coverage in many parts of the world. To assess the usefulness of TR in species distribution for three European ungulate species (wild boar, roe deer and red deer) we compared the spatial distribution in a 10 x 10 UTM grid square (cells) obtained using TR with their distribution described in the Atlas and Red Book of Spanish Terrestrial Mammals (ARBSTM). The study was carried out in north-central Spain. The results show that TR offers a good complement to the data sources from the ARBSTM, contributing to new distribution sites in insufficiently sampled areas. The average increase in areas inhabited by the species studied was 41.52 %. However, TR cannot be used as the sole source of information. Thus, for 35.16 % of the positive cells reflected in the ARBSTM there were no reported roadkills. In the mountainous periphery of the study area, with higher population densities of ungulates, the TR method was as good as those used in the ARBSTM in cells with medium road density, but was unable to detect the presence of wildlife in zones with low road density. The repeatability across time in roadkills using TR increased with the level of development of the road network and the percentage of area suitable for the species. However, despite the temporary repeatability demonstrated in the study, the method is not able to differentiate between occasional and stable species presences which could lead to overestimated distributions. Nevertheless, ARBSTM distributions have the same limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Here we aimed to identify the main points of animal death by roadkill in the view of helping mitigation plans and reducing the impact over the local fauna of a protected area. Materials and methods. We surveyed the roads around a protected area of Cerrado (São Paulo, Brazil) from May 2012 to August 2013. We recorded the local of roadkills, biometric and morphologic data of the animals, and collected samples of tissue for molecular species confirmation. Results. Thirty-one roadkilled animals were registered, including threatened species: Leopardus pardalis; Cuniculus paca and Chrysocyon brachyurus. Most roadkills were represented by mammals (54.8%) and reptiles (38.7%), and the mortality rate was 1.46 animals/km/year. Three roadkill hotspots were detected, suggesting that they were important points of animal crossing, probably because of the existence of natural remnant vegetation and intersection of roads by riparian vegetation. Conclusions. This work provided strong evidence of the most critical points where mitigation strategies should be immediately implemented and highlighted the importance of detecting roadkill hotspots and the species or taxonomic groups more affected, helping to elaborate effective actions that can improve fauna conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road mortality due to animal vehicle collisions has serious negative effects on population viability, demanding urgent implementation of mitigation measures where most required. Data from roadkill surveys is generally used to choose the best mitigation measures, but there is a lack of knowledge about the sampling intensity required for surveys to effectively detect roadkill patterns. Improving the cost-effectiveness of road surveys could free up limited resources that, in turn, could be used to obtain a better perception of road impacts and mitigation effectiveness elsewhere. We evaluate the possibility of improving road survey cost-effectiveness by comparing the spatial patterns obtained when using a weekly versus monthly survey and year-round versus seasonal surveys. We analyzed a roadkill dataset, previously collected over 2 years in southern Brazil, and applied two criteria for assessing the effectiveness of two alternative survey protocols: tradeoff between sampling effort and sample size; and similarity in spatial patterns. We found support favoring monthly surveys for those taxa in which roadkill was not markedly temporally clustered, as was the case for larger mammals. However, performing weekly surveys over shorter periods may significantly improve cost-effectiveness for taxa with peaks in mortality if surveys are performed during those periods when roadkill is most likely to occur. We suggest applying a mix of sampling protocols, with intensive surveys during warmer periods for reptiles and other taxa with peak roadkill at these times while, for the rest of the year, a monthly survey could be used to improve detection of rarer species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]