Wildlife Roadkill in the Surroundings of Emas National Park, Cerrado Biome, Brazil

Roadkill poses a significant threat to biodiversity, particularly near protected areas. A study along the GO-341 highway, adjacent to Emas National Park (ENP) in Brazil's Cerrado biome, revealed that 132 wildlife roadkills were recorded over 90 days, with birds and mammals being the most affected groups. The roadkill rate was 0.03 animals per kilometer per day. Notably, bird roadkills, particularly those of the blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), showed seasonal aggregation and hotspot formation, differing between dry and rainy seasons. Mammal roadkills, including the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), were influenced by sugarcane harvest periods. The study highlights the need for targeted mitigation strategies to reduce wildlife mortality in such critical habitats.

Carvalho-Roel, C. F., Alves, G. B., Jácomo, A. T. d. A., Moreira, R. A., Tôrres, N. M., & Silveira, L. (2021). WILDLIFE ROADKILL IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF EMAS NATIONAL PARK, CERRADO BIOME, BRAZIL. Oecologia Australis, 25(04), 795–806. https://doi.org/10.4257/oeco.2021.2504.01