Roadkill mitigation is paved with good intentions: a critique of Fox et al. (2019)

摘要: In a recent publication, Fox et al. (2019) described three-year trial of ‘virtual fence’ installed to reduce wildlife roadkills in north-eastern Tasmania. The authors reported 50% reduction total roadkills, concluding that the had potential substantially roadkill rates. field mitigation has long history promising techniques are ultimately found wanting, so we evaluated conceptual basis and design analysis trial. Of two stimuli emitted by fence’, its lights only partly match sensory capabilities target species, sound frequency is suitable but intensity unknown, both artificial lack biological significance, will be prone habituation once novelty wanes. trial, conducted three phases, revealed eight methodological flaws ranging from imprecise measurements, confounding effects treatments, low statistical power, violation test assumptions failure consider habituation. Greater caution needed interpreting findings this study, well designed, long-term trials required properly assess fence’.