Distance to vegetation, road layout, and run overs of wild vertebrates in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Distance to vegetation, road layout, and run overs of wild vertebrates in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Authors

  • Federico Granados-Rodríguez Universidad Nacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Heredia, Costa Rica https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4228-6572
  • Carolina Esquivel Universidad Nacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Biología Tropical, Costa Rica https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8284-1545
  • José Pablo Barquero-González Universidad Nacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Sistemática, Genética y Evolución (LabSGE), Heredia, Costa Rica https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8343-6050
  • Gabriela Quesada-Ávila Universidad Nacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Heredia, Costa Rica https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3001-5695
  • Javier Tenorio-Brenes Universidad Nacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Heredia, Costa Rica https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2106-1999

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v16i1.5260

Keywords:

Road ecology, road kill, Costanera Sur, Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge, conservation

Abstract

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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Published

2024-08-01

How to Cite

Granados-Rodríguez , F., Esquivel, C., Barquero-González , J. P., Quesada-Ávila , G., & Tenorio-Brenes , J. (2024). Distance to vegetation, road layout, and run overs of wild vertebrates in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. UNED Research Journal, 16(1), e5260. https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v16i1.5260

Issue

Vol. 16 (2024)

Section

Short Communication

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