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This paper reports an unusual and accidental mortality event of a group of Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus nirnai Illiger, 1815) trapped inside natural river pits in the Moyar River, Western Ghats, India. Otter populations are likely declining in the Western Ghats region due to various anthropogenic pressures and human-cause mortalities (poaching, roadkill, retaliate killing). Safeguarding otters from accidental mortality will help support their future survival. We discuss preventive measures to avoid such a cause of accidental mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a global concern of the current century. Its rapid escalation and ever-increasing intensity have been felt worldwide, leading to dramatic impacts globally. The aftermath of climate change in India has brought about a profound transformation in India's environmental, socio-economic, and urban landscapes. In 2019, India ranked seventh, among the most affected countries by extreme weather events caused due to changing climate. This impact was evident in terms of both, the human toll with 2,267 lives lost, and the economic damage, which accounted for 66,182 million US$ Purchasing power parities (PPPs). Over the recent years, India has experienced a significant increase in the number and frequency of extreme weather events, causing vulnerable communities. The country experienced severe air pollution problems in several metropolitan cities and was highlighted in the list of the world's most polluted cities. Additionally, India has become the most populous nation globally, boasting a population of 1.4 billion people, equating to ~18% of the global population, and experiencing an increased rate of consumption of natural resources. Owing to the country's current scenario, various climate mitigation strategies, including nature-based solutions, must be implemented to reduce such impacts and support India's target of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review tries to have a holistic understanding of the effects of climate change on different sectors to identify India's challenges in achieving SDG 13 and SDG 11. Finally, it also highlighted the future recommendations for climate change-related research from an Indian perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted on a continuous 64-km stretch of National Highway (NH) 715, which bifurcates the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape complex, with Kaziranga National Park on its southern side and North Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary on the northern side. The survey was carried out from October 2017 to September 2018 via two-way journeys three days a week, with two observers using a motor vehicle at a steady speed of 25-35 km/hour. Roadkill reports of one Large Indian Civet Viverra zibetha and six Small Indian Civets Viverricula indica were collected. Both the species are solitary and nocturnal, and prefer to inhabit secondary landscapes intermingled with human habitation. This stretch of NH 715 forms a crucial passage for wildlife foraging and breeding, and this study reflects the impacts of roads causing wildlife-vehicle collision for two civet species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The road network is spreading rapidly in human dominated as well as forested areas in India. Roads passing through forested areas are known to negatively impact wildlife populations by contributing to wildlife-road kills besides causing habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and disruption of gene flow. This paper documents encounters of wildlife road kills on the State Highway 26 (SH 26) passing through the forested area of Khandwa Territorial Forests in central India. Between October 2015 and June 2017 and from November 2021 to June 2022 we collected opportunistic data on wildlife mortalities on SH 26. We recorded 61 wildlife mortalities on a stretch of 34 km of SH 26. Of the road kills encountered, 71% were birds, 21% were mammals, and 8% were herpetofauna. Highest among bird kills were members of nightjars (Caprimulgidae) (26%) and owls (Strigidae) (23%). Among owls, we recorded two road kills of the endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti and individuals of five other owl species. Among other taxa, road-hits of Jungle Cat, Indian Palm Civet, Golden Jackal, Central Indian Langur, and a few snakes were recorded. Most bird kills on the road were recorded in February while the highest number of mammal and herpetofauna kills were recorded in the month of November. We report that the land use around the road and species trait contribute to vulnerability of a species to road-hit. Based on the frequency of road kills, we have identified seven hotspots of road kills on SH 26. Since road construction is one of the major mandates of the Government in India, it is suggested to carry out systematic environment impact assessment on existing and proposed roads to understand the patterns of spatio-temporal incidents of road kills. Planting of tall trees and installation of speed bumps and signboards to alert drivers should be planned at the initial stage of road construction. If appropriate mitigation measures to prevent wildlife mortalities are incorporated while the road is being constructed, it may be possible to bridge the gap between development and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generic, low-cost and fully automated roadkill prevention system (RPS) using lasers was developed. The RPS is designed as a real-time system that adapts to all weather conditions, that can detect and categorize road crossing animals based on their heights and display distinguishable (category based) warning light signals for approaching vehicles. The system can also send animal category-specific short message service (SMS) to preserved mobile numbers for detection data base (DDB) generation and take necessary counteraction by the forest officials. The RPS prototype was installed in Velamundi Reserve Forest in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve on the Sathyamangalam - Mettupalayam state highway in 2019 and its performance has been closely monitored since then. At present, the RPS is the only functioning system of its kind in India or elsewhere and has registered a 60% dip in roadkill at the project site since its installation. The complete details like architecture, operational algorithm, implementation and performance analysis of the RPS system over a year is presented. Once available in the literature with complete details, the RPS is expected to be replicated in other parts of the world, wherever roadkill is a growing threat to the existing biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hit-and-run crashes account for about 14% of total accidents (MoRTH 2017) in India despite it being a cognizable offense under the Indian motor vehicle act of 1988. Hit-and-run crashes also account for a significant number of pedestrian crashes. A better understanding of these crashes is required to reduce the severity of pedestrian crashes. Recent reports claim that there is an increase in the number of fatal victims concerning pedestrians in 2017 over 2016. The number of pedestrians killed in road accidents has climbed from 15,746 in 2016 to 20,457 in 2017 (29.9% increase). Nine years of pedestrian crash data from the RADMS database (2009–2017) for the state of Tamilnadu were used in this study. This study explores several factors that increase the likelihood of pedestrian hit-and-run crashes, including temporal factors, environmental factors, crash characteristics, and road features. One hundred ten variables under 30 factors were assessed for statistically significant association with hit-and-run crashes. The results of the present study show that the perpetrator's tendency to leave the spot of crash increases in the dark unlighted conditions. Increased likelihood of hit-and-run crashes is found during summer, winter season and in urban areas. Among pedestrian characteristics, pedestrians who are intoxicated, pedestrian locations such as footpath, crossing the road and shoulder, pedestrian victims who are injured significantly contribute to hit-and-run crashes. Factors such as day of the week, road category, collision cause, vehicle type, weather conditions, driver alcohol status, pedestrian residence type, and traffic movement were found to be statistically not significant with a 90% confidence interval. We finally discuss a few recommendations based on the results and intervention that can reduce hit-and-run pedestrian fatalities and injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) fall victim to anthropogenic hazards, including snares, small crude explosive devices, open wells, and roads, as well as gunshots, barbed wire, and mob attacks. While conducting rescue efforts in the southern state of Karnataka, India, Wildlife SOS collected data on 20 snare incidents, 8 crude explosive device incidents, 7 roadkill incidents, 5 open well incidents, 2 gunshot attacks, 1 barbed wire incident, and 1 mob attack that occurred between 2006–2007 and 2013–2019. Female sloth bears fell victim to anthropogenic risks more often than did males (68% vs. 32%), and 23% of the females had cubs or were pregnant. This study suggests that anthropogenic risks form a threat to the sloth bear populations in Karnataka, India. Our suggestions to mitigate these threats to sloth bears include stiffer penalties for the use of snares and crude explosive devices, putting lips on all open wells, and working with road agencies and forest departments to construct additional wildlife crossings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal-vehicle collision on the roads is a major cause of mortality of a wide range of animal taxa both within and around protected areas. This study has been conducted in the National Highway 715 (new) covering a continuous stretch of 64 km that passes through Kaziranga National Park (KNP) of Assam (India). The area falls between the boundary of KNP on its north and North Karbi Anglong Wildlife sanctuary on the south. The survey concentrated on the mortality study of four groups of vertebrates viz., amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals resulting from collisions with vehicles from October 2016 through September, 2017. A total of 6036 individual roadkills were registered, belonging to 53 species, 23 other taxa and 30 families of vertebrates, with herpetofauna being the most affected group followed by birds and mammals. The study evaluated seasonal variation in the overall roadkill pattern with highest mortality in the monsoon season 38.27% (n = 2310) and with peak casualties starting with the onset of rainfall (February and March) and during monsoons (July and August). The amphibian mortality was also found to be highest during the monsoon with 43.28% (n = 1575) of kills, as compared to the other three groups. NH-715 (new), therefore serves as a challenging passage for the animals, forming a major barrier for the faunal component of the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape. This study thus tried to reflect the often overlooked issue of roads and highways in terms of direct mortality of animals due to traffic and thereby can be helpful in understanding the seriousness of the situation and identifying prospective measures to be taken for sustainable coexistence of both animals and human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a risk measure and construct an infectious diseases hazard map for India. Given an outbreak location, a hazard index is assigned to each city using an effective distance that depends on inter-city mobilities instead of geographical distance. We demonstrate its utility using an SIR model augmented with air, rail and road data among the top 446 cities. Simulations show that the effective distance from outbreak location reliably predicts the time of arrival of infection in other cities. The hazard index predictions compare well with the observed spread of SARS-CoV-2. This hazard map can be used in other outbreaks as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the absence of pharmaceutical interventions for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), countries have taken drastic steps like quarantine, prohibit large-scale gatherings, limited transport, social distancing, curfews, and lockdowns to curtail the spread of the virus. In light of these events, the current study attempts to understand the short-term changes in road traffic patterns, using data from two Wi-Fi MAC Scanners deployed at strategic locations in Chennai, India. The results indicate that the road traffic activities significantly reduced due to the restrictions in non-essential trips, workplace suspensions, and strict surveillance during lockdowns. However, as the lockdown rules eased, the road traffic activities began to recover. It is found that complete closedown is most effective in reducing road travel activity, but ad-hoc short duration complete closedowns may only yield temporary benefits. Also, extended lockdowns without proper enforcement may be ineffective since the public appeared to ignore the advisory after a while. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A globally, extensive road network combined with increasing vehicular traffic poses a significant threat to local wildlife, environment, economy, and socio-politics. India, with nearly 5.9 million kilometers of road, has the second-highest road network in the world; and has plans to exponentially increase its national highways. In this study, we use a combination of collation of official documents, literature review, and GIS mapping to outline the possible environmental and socio-economic impacts caused by a proposed 6-lane national highway (NH 173). This highway is set to cut through the low elevation evergreen forests of the central Western Ghats between Mudigere and Nelliyadi towns of Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada districts, of Karnataka State, respectively. We further outline the insignificance of the project and recommend workable alternatives that could be considered in the wider public's interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to assess the threat from road kills for three-striped palm squirrels in the tropical forest of Sigur plateau, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, and Southern India from January 2014 to December 2016. Road kills were recorded along the Udhagamandalam to Masinagudi state highway passing through Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (40 km). Four visits per month were carried out mostly on weekends (Saturday or Sunday). A total of 497 threestriped palm squirrel kills were recorded, with an overall rate of 0.09/ km of the roadway. Habitat wise 387 kills were observed in the thorn forest and 110 in dry deciduous forest habitats. Season wise 176 kills were recorded in winter, 156 in summer, 83 post-monsoon, and 82 during the monsoon. The study distinguished the ongoing major threat on the three-striped palm squirrel in the present scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, road traffic injuries are one of the top four leading causes of death and health loss among persons of age group 15-49 years. The share of two wheelers in total road accidents has increased from 28.8% in 2015 to 33.8% in 2016. Out of total of 52,500 two wheeler riders killed in road accidents during the calendar year 2016, 10,135 two-wheeler riders (19.3%) were reported to be not wearing helmets. Aims: Mandatory helmet usage law was enforced in January 2016 for both riders and pillions in Bangalore. Settings and Design: Randomly selected Traffic Junctions of Bangalore city, Karnataka, India. Purposive sampling technique was used to obtain the helmet usage among two wheeler users. Method and Materials: It is a cross sectional study, where 1471 two wheeler riders, pillions were observed at selected 6 traffic junctions using an observation checklist with different intervals of the time in weekdays and weekends. Information regarding socio demographic details and helmet compliance will be collected. Results: In observational survey 1471 two wheeler users were observed at the 6 selected traffic junctions, among riders (82.18%),pillions (72.82%) wore helmet. Helmet usage (riders-87.64%) (pillions-76.03%) in inner city junction and in outer ring road junction (riders-74.88%) (pillions-55.12%) respectively. helmet usage in weekdays was 6% more than in weekends among riders. Conclusion: Nearly 20% of riders and 30%of pillions were not wearing helmets. Compliance to ISI (Indian Standard) helmets and buckling of the helmets was poor in both the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife-vehicle collisions on the roads lead to mortality of a range of animal taxa both within and around wildlife reserves. Quantifying and understanding impacts of roads on wildlife mortality are essential for identifying vulnerable taxa and suitable mitigation measures. We studied animal mortality on roads in relation to habitat and season in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and adjoining Valparai plateau in the Western Ghats, India. Habitats were broadly classified as forest, monoculture plantations (tea, coffee, eucalyptus) and mixed. Eleven road transects of 3-12 km length were surveyed between 9 and 12 times each during monsoon (2011) and summer (2012). We recorded 2969 roadkills (mean = 2.01/km) during the 1473.4 km of road surveys carried out. The overall roadkill rate was 21.2 (± 3.87 SE) individual kills/10 km. Amphibians were most frequent in roadkills (overall roadkill rate of 9.3 ± 2.17 SE kills/10 km, n = 1307), followed by invertebrates and unidentified taxa (7.6 ± 1.81 SE kills/10 km, n = 1066). Roadkill rate was 2.4 times higher in monsoon than summer, with amphibians particularly averaging higher kill rate during monsoon. Frequency of roadkills of various animal groups differed between seasons in different habitats. In both the seasons, most roadkills were recorded mainly in tea, forest, and forest-tea habitats. Relative to length of roads through forest, a disproportionately large number of roadkills of herpetofauna and mammals were recorded in forest habitat. Higher vehicular movements, including tourist traffic, road widening, removal of native plants along roads and construction of sidewalls without breaks obstruct animal movements and may be responsible for roadkills. Designing roads to be more permeable for safe animal movement, particularly where roads pass through forest, and sensitizing highways authorities are essential to reduce animal mortality and make roads more wildlife- friendly in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Hindu mythology, Hanuman is worshipped as the monkey god and therefore there is a great reverence for macaques all across the country. Hindu devotees consider it their sacred duty to feed macaques along road, temples, parks and other public areas. Unfortunately, such food provisioning alters the habitat, food choice and behaviour of macaques. We studied the impact of feeding by humans on Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta feeding behaviour, distribution and also assessed the increased risk of accidents in the 11km road stretch of National Highway passing through Kanha-Pench corridor, from August 2009 to July 2010. Seasonal changes in macaque distribution and group sizes were assessed based on foot and vehicle transects. The numbers of road kills were monitored in early morning and late evening hours for different seasons. Five groups of macaques were occupying a minimum of 1.1 to a maximum of 1.7km stretch, together covering about 7.3km of road. Group size varied significantly in relation to the availability of food on the road. During the study, 54 macaques succumbed to road accidents. Maximum roadkill occurred during summer because of the greater inflow of tourists. Unless concerted efforts are made to increase awareness among people of the hazards of road-side feeding, incidences of macaque mortality are likely to increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No abstract available [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of amphibian mortality on roads was carried out in the Sharavathi river basin in the central Western Ghats. Road kills in three different land use areas: agricultural fields, water bodies and forests were recorded for four days along three 100m stretches in each type of area. One-hundred-and-forty-four individuals belonging to two orders, eight families, 11 genera and 13 species were recorded in the survey. Kills/km observed were: in forest 55, agricultural fields 38 and water bodies 27, for an overall average of 40 kills/km. Kill species compositions varied significantly between land use areas, but not overall kill rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads and traffic are the central features of human development, but a severe threat to forest and wildlife. In this study we have assessed the extent of insect road kills in two national parks and a suburb-scrubland. The diversity and abundance of insect casualties were enumerated and compared across sites. Dragonflies and butterflies were the major insect kills with higher casualties on Sunday, which is associated with increased traffic load. Butterfly road kills were represented by high species diversity. This study reveals severity of invertebrate/insect casualties on road, conservation needs and surprising new frontiers of road ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]