Roadkill

Roadkill refers to animals or wildlife that have been struck and killed by motor vehicles on highways and roads. The term is often used in a broad sense to include animals injured by vehicles that later die as a result of their injuries.

Overview

Roadkill is a significant issue in wildlife management and conservation. It is estimated that millions of animals are killed on roads every year, with the actual number likely being much higher due to underreporting. The impact on wildlife populations can be substantial, particularly for species that are already threatened or endangered.

Causes

The primary cause of roadkill is the interaction between wildlife and motor vehicles. This can occur when animals attempt to cross roads or when they are attracted to roads for various reasons, such as foraging for food. Factors that can increase the risk of roadkill include high vehicle speeds, high traffic volumes, and roads that cut through wildlife habitats.

Impact

The impact of roadkill extends beyond the loss of individual animals. It can also have broader ecological effects, such as altering predator-prey dynamics and impacting population genetics by creating barriers to animal movement. In addition, roadkill can pose a risk to human safety when vehicles collide with large animals.

Mitigation

Efforts to mitigate roadkill include the construction of wildlife crossings, such as overpasses and underpasses, and the use of wildlife fencing to guide animals to these crossings. Other measures include public education campaigns, changes to road design, and the use of wildlife detection systems.

See also

• Wildlife crossing
• Wildlife management
• Conservation biology