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The findings are published in the journal Herpetological Conservation and Biology. "We could only count what we saw during our surveys, but we do feel that what we found may be an underestimate because of scavenging, degradation or moving of carcasses in between surveys," Glista said. "It could be anywhere between two and 10 times as many." The majority of animal-car collisions occurred from July through September during periods of peak temperature and rainfall. The researchers suspect most birds were flying too low while chasing insects. The amphibians and mammals, however, appear to have either been drawn by water sources near the roads or attempting to cross areas where the roads cut through habitats. "I think most of the problem is habitat-driven -- no pun intended -- especially when roads bisect prime habitat," Glista said, adding that amphibian deaths were greatest on a road that cut a wetland in half. The frog carnage was so overwhelming that the researchers suspect road kill could help explain why amphibian populations have plummeted in recent years. They add that habitat degradation, climate change, infectious disease and UV radiation also appear to be major factors contributing to amphibian and reptile declines worldwide. Kenneth Dodd, a scientist in the University of Florida's Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, told Discovery News that "we very much need this type of documentation concerning the effects of roads on wildlife," especially reptiles and amphibians. "Roads take a tremendous toll on amphibian and reptile populations, a mortality that is often overlooked because their bodies are delicate and quickly obliterated or scavenged," he explained. "Amphibians and reptiles living near roads tend to disappear slowly, and you suddenly realize they are not there anymore." "What we need are ways to mitigate this mortality, especially at road crossing 'hot spots,'" Dodd added. "The type of work that David and his team conducted will help us identify these hot spots, so that eco-passages can be provided. Europe is far advanced of North America in that regard, but this work will help raise awareness so that these measures can be employed here." Related Links: Jennifer Viegas' blog: Born Animal Frogs: A Chorus of Colors (American Museum of Natural History |
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