Assessment and Prediction of the Effects of Highways on Population Ecological and Genetic Properties of Selected Faunal Groups: The Consequences of Breakup and Isolation

The focus of this study was to identify features of amphibian species and roads that might serve as predictors of future sensitivity to habitat fragmentation. To accomplish this task 134 sites were sampled primarily in the Piedmont region of North Carolina using both active and passive methods. In those sites animals were collected throughout the study period (Aug 2000 - Dec 2002). A significant drought (rainfall deficit > 14 in.) event spanned the entire study period. The low number of animals is likely a result of the high mortalities and low activity levels displayed by amphibians during drought conditions. Here we provide an extensive review of the literature dealing with roads as barriers to amphibian movement. Patterns derived from the literature provide a framework for the recommendations made in this report. Also included is a manuscript (in press) that describes a model dealing with the nature of habitat fragmentation and barriers. This paper was the framework for the interpretation of the genetic analysis and is the focus of ongoing study in our laboratory.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This research was funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

  Department of Biology
  CB# 3280, Cocker Hall
  Chapel Hill, NC  United States  27599-3280

  North Carolina State University, Raleigh

  Center for Transportation and the Environment, Centennial Campus, Box 8601
  Raleigh, NC  United States  27695-8601

  North Carolina Department of Transportation

  P.O. Box 25201, 1 South Wilmington Street
  Raleigh, NC  United States  27611

  Research and Special Programs Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Stiven, Alan E
  • Brooks, Christopher P
• Publication Date: 2005-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 60p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Amphibians; Animals; Drought; Genetics; Habitat; Highways; Literature reviews
• Uncontrolled Terms: Gene flow; Mortality; Road effect zone
• Geographic Terms: North Carolina; Piedmont Region (United States)
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Environment; Highways; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01051585
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/NC/2003-01
• Files: UTC, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 18 2007 11:15AM