Atropelamento da fauna silvestre na BR-116/RJ e entorno do Parque Nacional da Serra dos órgãos: análise e estratégias de redução de impactos

Abstract

Wild animal’s victims of roadkill are a worrying reality. These occurrences represent a serious threat to the preservation of fauna leading to an increasing frequency of fatal collisions with wildlife. This study evaluated the composition, size and spatial patterns of mortality of wild vertebrates in different stretches of the BR 116/RJ, especially in the area of influence of the Serra dos Órgãos National Park. Between 2012 and 2021, a total of 2,108 run over individuals were identified along this stretch, of which 1,415 were mammals (67.98%), 556 birds (26.20%) and 137 reptiles (5.31%) with a richness of 134 species. In the conservation unit (UC) area, mammals were the most impacted (63.8%, N=97), followed by birds (25%, N=38) and reptiles (11.2%, N=17). The roadkill rate found for the UC stretch was 0.011 individuals/km/day considering the three taxonomic groups. Some registered species are threatened with extinction: Alouatta guariba clamitans, Callithrix aurita, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Leopardus gutullus, Leopardus wiedii, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Sylvilagus tapetillus, and Amadonastur lacernulatus. Aggregations of roadkills were found for several groups and species, making it possible to identify priority areas, in which mitigation measures suggested by this study, such as underground passages with mesh and aerial crossings, associated with the placement of radars and speed reducers, should be primarily established.