Quantifying and mitigating the barrier effect of roads on the movement and dispersal of wildlife

在支离破碎的景观中，野生动物需要在栖息地之间移动，以交换基因，增加不断减少的种群规模，并重新定居动物灭绝的地区。对于许多物种来说，道路可能会成为阻碍或限制它们扩散的屏障，可能会隔离一些栖息地。在这项研究中，我们的目标是量化澳大利亚地区主要高速公路对哺乳动物和无脊椎动物运动形成障碍的程度。然后，我们将通过测量这些措施的使用率、道路死亡人数的减少和人口生存能力的提高，来测试这些措施的有效性，以促进安全穿越。这些信息可以用来建造更环保的主要道路。

In fragmented landscapes, wildlife need to move between habitat patches to exchange genes, increase the size of declining populations and recolonise areas were animals have become extinct. For many species, roads may act as barriers that prevent or limit dispersal, potentially isolating some habitats. In this study, we aim to quantify the extent to which major highways in regional Australia form a barrier to the movement of mammals and invertebrates. We will then test the effectiveness of measures that may facilitate safe crossing by measuring their rate of use, reduction in road kill and increase in population viability. This information can then be used to construct major roads that are more environmentally sustainable.