Do dry ledges reduce the barrier effect of roads

摘要: a b s t r c Wildlife crossing structures combined with fencing seek to improve permeability and habitat connec- tivity across roads reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. However, the presence of water inside culverts can seriously limit their effectiveness. The implementation dry ledges be good measure allow when flooded. So far, there is lack knowledge on effectiveness for wide diversity vertebrates. main goal this study evaluate how pres- ence ledge affect culvert use Mediterranean mesocarnivores (red fox Vulpes vulpes, stone marten Martes foina, European badger Meles meles, otter Lutra lutra common genet Genetta genetta). Between January March 2008, wooden were placed in 15 32 surveyed culverts. Addi- tionally 100 meters small mesh size buried fences installed along each side all During one year we used video surveillance track-plates detect events over seven con- secutive nights per season monitored culvert. We relative importance compare number road-kills within m buffer radius around before after fence installation that never fenced (control culverts). Although dif- ferent species responded features differently, was most relevant feature explaining events, particular, martens genets. did not mammals road-kill prevalence. Our results imply order use, road managers should take into account placement remain flooded (more than 3 cm water-depth). also suggest exploring role construction materials increase likelihood being by foxes badgers.