A Behavior-Based Framework for Assessing Barrier Effects to Wildlife from Vehicle Traffic Volume

摘要: Roads, while central to the function of human society, create barriers animal movement through collisions and habitat fragmentation. Barriers affect evolution tra- jectory populations. Investigators have attempted use traffic volume, number vehicles passing a point on road segment, predict effects wildlife populations approximately linearly along taxonomic lines; however, groupings cannot provide sound predictions because closely related species often respond differently. We assess role behavioral responses volume as tool barrier from vehicle- caused mortality avoidance, an early warning system that recognizes trigger for mitigation, better interpret roadkill data. propose four categories response based perceived danger traffic: Nonresponders, Pausers, Speeders, Avoiders. Nonresponders attempt cross highways regardless volume. Pausers stop in face so low probability successful crossing when increases. Hence, highway are primarily due at high volumes. Speeders run away but unable do successfully vol- ume At moderate repelled by danger. Avoiders lower than other they begin avoid relatively avoidance causes more even moder - ate By considering species' risk- traffic, managers can make appropriate timely decisions mitigate before decline or become locally extinct.