Wildlife Vehicle Collision (WVC) Assessment of Faunal Carcasses Along National Highways 353D and 353C: A Study from Nagbhid to Gadchiroli
Sunanda B. Kumre *
Mahatma Gandhi Arts, Science and Late N. P. Commerce College, Armori, India.
Naresh R. Dahegaonkar
Dr. Khatri Mahavidyalaya, Tukum, Chandrapur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The rapid expansion of road networks has significantly enhanced economic growth and regional connectivity but has also resulted in severe ecological consequences, particularly wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs). The present study was conducted to estimate roadkill incidents along state highways between Nagbhid and Gadchiroli. Using public road surveys and opportunistic sampling methods, a fortnightly survey recorded 52 roadkill cases belonging to 14 species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals between April 2024 and December 2024. Amphibians were the most affected taxa (32.26%), followed by birds (25%), mammals (23.07%) and reptiles (21.15%). Amphibians and reptiles are particularly vulnerable due to their slow movement and inability to evade approaching vehicles. Additionally, driver negligence and unawareness contribute to the high mortality rates among these species. The study found that roadkill incidents were significantly higher along highway stretches near rivers and other water bodies than in dry landscapes. Implementing mitigation strategies such as speed breakers, wildlife corridors, and awareness programs in ecologically sensitive zones could help reduce WVCs and protect biodiversity. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation measures to minimize the impact of road networks on wildlife populations.
Keywords: Roadkill, wildlife-vehicle collisions, biodiversity, conservation, habitat fragmentation, mitigation strategies