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https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27432/critical-issues-in-transportation-for-2024-and-beyond

The Influence of Roadkill on Protected Species and Other Wildlife in Lithuania

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of roadkill on protected mammal species and to compare the pressures of hunting and roadkill on wildlife populations. Roadkill registration was carried out by driving over 100,000 km on highways and national roads in 2008–2009, and over 10,000 km on regional roads in 2007–2009. In addition, particular road sections were also covered on foot in 2009 (a total of 167 km walked several times). Official roadkill data, as registered by the Lithuanian Police Traffic Supervision Service for 2002–2009, were also used. The results obtained provided both the numbers and species composition of all wildlife fatalities and permitted the construction of roadkill indexes. Over the period of observation, official data show an annual increase in the number of fatalities, rising from 259 individuals in 2002 to 978 in 2008 (14 species, roe deer totaling 52–62% of all cases). The authors additionally registered 2656 casualties amongst wild mammals (21 species). On main roads, the average roadkill index was 3.79–4.05 individuals/100 km/day (95% confidence limits shown), with the highest averages being for East European hedgehog at 0.96 (maximum count 11.1) and raccoon dog at 0.85 (26.7) individuals/100 km/day. Extrapolating this data, the total number of wild mammals killed on main roads in Lithuania in 2009 was ca 25,000, with hedgehogs (5.8–6.5 thousand) and raccoon dogs (5.0–5.8 thousand) the most frequent of casualties. The authors also calculate that a further 30 moose, 35 European red deer, 150 roe deer and 200 wild boars were killed on main roads in 2009. The influence of roadkill may be important in number dynamics in some species. In 2008, raccoon dog road fatalities were three times higher than the hunting bag, and in 2009 almost 80% higher. Also in 2009, cases of badger roadkill were 5.5 times higher than the hunting bag and that of martens 2.5 times higher. In 2006–2009, the number of moose killed on the road ranged from 36–56% of hunting bag. In 2009, the incidence of roadkill amongst wild boar, European red deer and roe deer was around 3.6% of the number hunted, figures that would have no influence on population dynamics. Eurasian lynx, Eurasian otter and European bison are protected species in Lithuania. In the case of Eurasian otter and European bison, the losses due to roadkill are less than 1% of the population annually and 1% in 10 years respectively, figures that are within acceptable levels from a conservation standpoint. In the case of lynx however, roadkill represents the single greatest threat to the population. Dedicated investigation and special protection measures are therefore required in this regard. Statistical and spatial analysis clarified the most dangerous roads/segments and the seasonal distribution of accidents. Recommendations were given regarding fencing, warning signs and additional measures (repellents, jumpouts, deer crates). Funded by the Lithuanian Road Administration under the Ministry of Transport and Communications in 2007–2009, this is the most comprehensive study to date in this field in Lithuania.

  • Summary URL:
  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Abstract used with permission from the International Conference on Ecology and Transportation, organized by the Center for Transportation and the Environment, Institute for Transportation Research and Education, North Carolina State University.
  • Corporate Authors:

    North Carolina State University, Raleigh

    Center for Transportation and the Environment
    Raleigh, NC  United States  27695-8601
  • Authors:
    • Balčiauskas, Linas
  • Conference:
  • Publication Date: 2012

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 647-655
  • Monograph Title: Proceedings of the 2011 International Conference on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET 2011)

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01561133
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Apr 24 2015 11:22AM