Roadkill on vertebrates in Brazil: seasonal variation and road type comparison

Abstract

. The construction of major Brazilian highways dates back to the 1940’s and 1950’s. During this time, ecological concepts were not considered during the construction of highways. Consequently, roads are one of the main causes of environmental fragmentation. The goals of this study were to assess the diversity of vertebrates that are killed on and near highway BR MG 265, to analyze the seasonal variation of these roadkills, to compare the rate of road kills on the paved and unpaved sections of the road, and to suggest conservation practices. The roads were monitored twice a day on seven days during six consecutive months. The species, date, and location (for georeferencing) was recorded for each road kill. Overall, 48 road kills were found that represented 18 species, of which 35.42% were birds, 41.66% were mammals, 14.53% were reptiles and 8.33% could not be identified. Tests indicated that differences occurred between rainy and dry periods, and that no significant differences occurred between the paved and unpaved roads. Critical points were identified that require the installation of physical speed bumps or automatic radars with signposts that indicate wildlife crossings.