Roadside hedgerows and trees as factors increasing road mortality of birds: Implications for management of roadside vegetation in rural landscapes

摘要: Abstract The 26-month study was carried out in 2001–2003 on a network of 15 roads (48.8 km) with different traffic volumes (350–10,500 cars day−1) and varying structure the surrounding landscape farmland south-western Poland. A total 862 road-killed birds were recorded. most abundant group made up by urban species (50.2%), followed hedgerow specialists (30.3%), woodland (7.7%) those associated open areas (3.8%). shares three numerous victim (Passer domesticus, Passer montanus Hirundo rustica) amounted to 79.3%. mean (±1 S.E.) yearly number casualties per 100 m road calculated for reached 0.91 ± 0.20 all groups, 0.44 ± 0.14 birds, 0.28 ± 0.07 specialists, 0.06 ± 0.02 0.03 ± 0.01 areas. For commonest values as follows: P. domesticus 0.40 ± 1.37, H. rustica 0.07 ± 0.03 0.13 ± 0.05. disproportionately high mortality recorded near tree belts, hedgerows built-up areas, while it much lower farmland. Traffic volume had clear negative impact species. In order limit losses among due vehicle spontaneous bushy vegetation should be removed from immediate vicinity. New “safe” wildlife planting them further away roads, i.e., along dirt watercourses ditches.