HENRIQUES, I. G. N.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2300139718369817; HENRIQUES, Ikallo George Nunes.
Resumo:
Brazil has a high diversity of vertebrates, however its fauna has been threatened by
the development of infrastructure of several types. Roads and highways affect
directly the fauna of the region where it is built because it causes loss and
fragmentation of habitats. This study monitored and evaluated trampling of wild
vertebrates, identifying the groups of animals susceptible to car collision in an urban
section of BR230.
The results of this study showed the dimension of highway
impacts on fauna in general and those observed along the east limits of the Floresta
Nacional da Restinga de Cabedelo (FLONARest), Paraíba, Brasil, and subsidized in
suggesting measures to reduce animal trampling. The number of trampled animals
was determined by monthly (October 2017 to September 2018) visits to the 1.94 km
long highway section, when the carcasses of trampled animals were recovered,
identified and photographed. During this period, 76 trampled carcasses were
recovered, and classified in 13 Orders, 27 Families and 35 Species. The most
commonly trampled species were Lepdodactylus chaquensis and Didelphis
marsupialis. Most of the trampled animals was mammals (30 cases), followed by
amphibians (21), reptiles (16) and birds (9). Mitigation measures that could be
implemented to decrease trampling of wild animals include fencing around the
FLONARest, road signs indicating the presence of wild animals, and educative
campaigns addressed to drivers of vehicles regarding the impacts of highways on
fauna.