Background:
Arizona is currently witnessing an increase in human development and subsequently an increase in roadway traffic, with more and wider roads being constructed for higher-speed vehicles. Roads cause significant levels of wildlife mortality and may create significant barriers to dispersal. Animal mortality locations along roadways can act as indicators of wildlife crossings areas, which can lead to specific mitigation measures, intended to minimize these mortalities.
Location:
These wildlife connectivity projects are within Pima County, Arizona. Projects fall within critical Linkages defined by Ariaona Department of Transportation, Arizona Game and Fish Department and Pima County Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.
Current and Completed projects in Pima County:
Camino de Manana: 1 00% Completed
Rattlesnake Pass: 100% Completed
*State Route 86: Currently in Progress
Approach:
Perform wildlife mortality surveys; determine wildlife use along proposed roadway extensions. Road kill data is collected to reveal wildlife ‘hotspots’ or crossing spots where animals negotiating the landscape and attempt to cross roads.. This method adequately shows where animals fail to negotiate the road barrier. In addition to roadway mortality evaluations, both scat and animal track surveys are utilized to identify how wildlife are approaching the perceived barriers of roadways.. This approach allows for estimates of how wildlife negotiates the landscape surrounding defined roadways.
Benefits:
Data collected from these projects allows PCDOT and ADOT engineers the design criteria and recommendations for the incorporation of wildlife linkage structures into the design of roadway project. This evaluation process helps reduce fragmentation and increase wildlife connectivity and habitat in these areas.
For more information contact:
Shawn F. Lowery , Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
Phone:
(520) 742-1911 Email: slowery@azgfd.gov
Michael Ingraldi, Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
Phone: (928) 532-5625 Email: mingraldi@frontiernet.net
|
