Road-kills affect avian population quality

摘要: Owing to the extensive development of road networks, millions animals are killed annually. This impact on natural environment has been questioned: is there a selection victims in car collisions? and do road-kills, as predators, influence population by eliminating individuals poor condition? We compared road-killed those predators SE Poland three bird species: Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. applied ptilochronology, which width feather growth bars represents an individual’s relative nutritional condition. Our results show that analyzed species were significantly better body condition than raptors. study does not concur with previous studies concluded weaker more vulnerable road. Raptors select prey condition, but so apparently road-kill random elimination healthy individuals. The conservation implications this far-reaching; future construction safety regulations must take wildlife into consideration. If these human-created habitats killing significant proportion healthier part populations non-selective manner, could result situations where fragmented be driven critical stage, and/or situation declining or endangered worsened further.