Distance to vegetation, road layout, and run overs of wild vertebrates in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v16i1.5260Keywords:
Road ecology, road kill, Costanera Sur, Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge, conservationAbstract
Introduction: Understanding the impact of roads on wildlife is crucial for implementing protective measures; Costa Rica is among the most studied tropical countries on this regard, but some areas remain poorly known. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between roadkill frequency, road layout and distance to vegetation. Methods: We worked over 15km from April 8 to 10, 2016, in the Pacífica Fernández National Highway, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. We counted all visible roadkills. Results: We recorded 56 roadkill individuals, primarily toads (Rhinella horribilis) and iguanids. Close vegetation increased the number of victims, while straight versus curved road sections did not. Conclusions: We recommend barriers, speed reducers, and suitable wildlife crossings, particularly in areas with dense vegetation close to the road.
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