Ecological
Effects of Roads on Amphibians and Reptiles: A Literature Review
Kimberly
M. Andrews1, J. Whitfield Gibbons1, and Denim
M. Jochimsen2
1Savannah
River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina
29802, USA
2Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University,
Pocatello, Idaho 83209, USA
Abstract:
Roads are the ultimate manifestation of urbanization, providing an essential
connectivity within and between rural and heavily populated areas. The
ecological impacts roads have on herpetofauna across temporal and spatial
scales are profound, beginning during the early stages of construction
and progressing through to completion and daily use. We provide examples
of physiological, ecological, and behavioral traits inherent among herpetofauna
that enhance their susceptibility to habitat alterations and environmental
changes that can result from the development as well as use of roads.
We emphasize areas in which impacts on herpetofauna have not yet been
documented, but are likely. We also identify potential threats to amphibians
and reptiles by noting and discussing previous research in road ecology
that is applicable. The most obvious impacts of roads are direct effects,
which result in injury or death as a consequence of road construction
followed by on-road mortality (roadkills) from contact with vehicles.
In addition to the more measurable direct effects, road impacts are compounded
further by a variety of indirect effects of roads on herpetofauna that
can be pervasive through habitat fragmentation and alteration that extend
to population and community level impacts. By identifying herpetofaunal
susceptibilities and providing concrete examples of road impacts, we offer
an ecological framework that can serve to suggest research questions and
encourage investigators to pursue goals that relate to both direct and
indirect effects of road development and subsequent urbanization on herpetofauna.
Lastly, we present current and possible approaches for resolving and preventing
conflicts between wildlife and roads.
Keywords: amphibian, community, education, fragmentation, highway,
mitigation, mortality, population, reptile, roads, urban
SREL Reprint #3091
Andrews,
K. M., J. W. Gibbons, and D. M. Jochimsen. 2008. Ecological Effects of
Roads on Amphibians and Reptiles: A Literature Review. In: J. C. Mitchell,
R. E. Jung Brown, and B. Bartholomew (Eds.). Urban Herpetology. Society
for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Herpetological Conservation
Number 3: 121-143.
