Landscape structural changes between 1950 and 2012 and their role in wildlife–vehicle collisions in the Czech Republic

摘要: Roadway safety is a major concern for the general public and understanding factors that affect wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) which an important area in road ecology research. Even though many studies on landscape change have been conducted worldwide last 20 years, as well present work focused effects of selected structural characteristics WVCs, effort to examine historical changes structure WVCs missing. The main goal this study analyse role spatio-temporal between 1950 2012 Czech Republic. Aerial photos from were used based use Geographic Information System (GIS). analyses 52 hotspots (areas with highest density per square kilometre Republic). results showed each hotspot has had relatively high reconfiguration structure, crucial influence given habitats. In some level unstable land cover patches was more than 80% total average all 53.23%. identification transformation trajectories also very important, i.e. one hand huge decreases grassland, other increasing successional areas, arable land, built-up area, areas transport infrastructure. pattern dramatically changed, too. A fine, heterogeneous mosaic small (with possibilities migration pathways) converted into large, homogeneous blocks. cases highly complex created, where two or roads follow similar directions. All activity resulted low permeability higher risk WVCs. retrospective view can help correct state affairs.