Elk Movements Associated with a High-Traffic Highway: Interstate 17

摘要: The authors evaluated wildlife-highway relationships from 2007 to 2010 along a 46-mi stretch of Interstate 17 (I-17) in north-central Arizona (MP 294−340). This highway had an average annual daily traffic (AADT) volume 16,100 vehicles/day during the study. specific objectives this research project were to: 1. Assess elk movements, crossing patterns, and distribution, determine permeability; 2. Investigate spatial temporal crossings distribution volume; 3. wildlife-vehicle collision (WVC) patterns relationships; 4. WVC relation riparian-meadow habitats; 5. Develop recommendations reduce promote permeability. team instrumented 71 (Cervus elaphus) with GPS receiver collars I-17. Elk crossed 912 times mean passage rate 0.09 crossings/approach. Compared other highways lower AADT, I-17 was significant barrier passage. Passage rates significantly higher stretches wide medians near Munds Canyon Bridge. In total, 395 analyzed, 79.0 elk-vehicle collisions occurred each year. Traffic influenced permeability, patterns. Proximity habitats also crossing, approach, locations. recommended wildlife structures ungulate-proof fencing length largely validating draft environmental assessment (DEA).