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Barrier effect is a road‐related impact affecting several animal populations. It can be caused by behavioural responses towards roads (surface and/or gap avoidance), associated emissions (traffic‐emissions avoidance) and/or circulating vehicles (vehicle avoidance). Most studies so far have described road‐effect zones along major roads, without determining the actual factor inducing the behavioural response. The purpose of the present study was to assess the factors potentially causing road‐effect zones in a heterogeneous road network (with variations in road width, road surface and traffic volume) and eventually to estimate the reduction of habitat quality imposed by roads within a protected area (Doñana Biosphere Reserve, Spain). As model species, we used two ungulates, red deer Cervus elaphus and wild boar Sus scrofa. We surveyed the presence of both species along 200‐m transects. All transects started and were perpendicular to reference roads (those with a traffic volume above 10 cars per day), often intersecting unpaved minor roads with virtually no traffic. The presence probability of both species was mainly affected by the distance to the nearest road (in most cases unpaved roads without traffic), but also by the proximity to reference roads. Red deer presence was also affected by the traffic volume of the nearest reference road. At a regional scale, the overall road network within the protected area imposes a reduction in presence probability of 40% for red deer and 55% for wild boar. A road network optimization, decommissioning unused and unpaved roads, would re‐establish almost entirely the potential habitat quality (91% for both species). Synthesis and applications. We found that both study species avoided roads regardless of their surface or traffic volume, suggesting a response due to gap avoidance which may be based on the association between linear infrastructures and the possibility of vehicles occurring along them. The overall behavioural response can substantially decrease habitat quality over large scales, including the conservation value of protected areas. For this reason, we recommend road network optimization by road decommissioning to mitigate the impact of roads at a regional scale, with potential positive effects at ecosystem level.

Road networks and the disturbance associated with vehicle traffic alter animal behavior, movements, and habitat selection. The response of moose (Alces americanus) to roads has been documented in relatively rural areas, but less is known about moose response to roads in more highly roaded landscapes. We examined road-crossing frequencies and habitat use of global positioning system (GPS)-collared moose in Massachusetts, USA, where moose home ranges have road densities approximately twice that of previous studies. We compared seasonal road-crossing frequencies of moose with a null movement model. We estimated moose travel speeds during road-crossing events and compared them with speeds during other home range movements. To estimate the extent of the road effect zone and determine how roads influenced moose habitat use, we fit a third-order resource selection function. With the exception of the lowest use road class (<10 vehicles/day), we found moose crossed roads less than expected based on the null movement model and frequency decreased with increasing road size and traffic. Moose crossed roads faster than they traveled during other times. This effect increased with increasing road use intensity. Overall, roads were a major factor determining what portions of Massachusetts moose used and how they moved among habitat patches. Our results suggest that moose in Massachusetts can adapt to a high-density road network, but the road effect is still strongly negative and, in some cases, is more pronounced than in study areas with lower road densities. Future road construction and the expansion of road networks may have a large effect on moose and other wildlife.

Gliding mammals are sensitive to habitat fragmentation that produces canopy gaps beyond their gliding capability. Specific structures (canopy-bridges and glide poles) are now commonly installed in large road construction projects to enable road crossing by threatened gliding mammals. However, these structures are being installed with limited understanding of how their design features influence their use. We conducted field testing of several design features (horizontal glide launch-beams at the top of poles; rope size and complexity in rope-bridges) using free-ranging gliding mammals, and scaled-down structures at two locations. Our aim was to identify preferred features to optimise structure use. This may confirm current designs or identify the need for refinement. We found that squirrel gliders ( Petaurus norfolcensis ) and sugar gliders ( Petaurus breviceps ) preferred a forward-pointing over a sideways-pointing glide beam. A single-rope rope-bridge was favoured over a mesh rope-bridge by sugar gliders but not squirrel gliders. No preference was shown by either species between mesh or ladder-style rope-bridges that differed in rope strand spacing. Large, permanently installed ladder or mesh rope-bridges commonly have single ropes connecting them to the adjacent forest. We investigated the use of a permanently installed 50-m long single-rope rope-bridge. Infra-red camera monitoring over 366 nights detected squirrel gliders on this bridge on 172 nights, common ringtail possums ( Pseudocheirus peregrinus ) on 144 nights and common brushtail possums ( Trichosurus vulpecula ) on 120 nights. This confirms acceptance of the single rope by a range of species and provides confidence in installing rope-bridges that may vary in rope size and complexity.

The use of wildlife road-crossing structures (WCS hereafter) is less monitored for small mammals than for more emblematic species. Furthermore, because of the undeniable difficulty of small-mammal track identification, most biologists usually carry out general surveys without species recognition. We hypothesized that general surveys traditionally used for monitoring WRC by small mammals may be biased because the degraded habitats along roads are mainly used by generalist and not specialist species. For this reason, we compared the results of a general small-mammal survey with those from a species-specific one, focusing on 3 study species: 1 habitat generalist (North American deer mouse [Peromyscus maniculatus]), 1 forest specialist (southern red-backed vole [Myodes gapperi]), and 1 prairie specialist (meadow vole [Microtus pennsylvanicus]). We sampled along 4 types of WCS (overpasses, open-span underpasses, and both elliptical and box culverts) in Banff National Park (Canada), by placing footprint track tubes along the WCS, and as a reference in front of their entrances (mainly located in roadside grasslands) and in the surrounding woodlands. Using the traditional general survey, we did not detect significant differences in small-mammal presence among WCS and reference sites. In contrast, species-specific surveys showed that only the deer mouse (a generalist species) consistently used the WCS. The deer mice did not show preferences for any WCS type, whereas the specialist species (voles) used only overpasses. Therefore, general surveys used without species identification can underestimate the value of WCS for specialist small mammals, with relevant conservation implications. As a consequence, we recommend species-specific surveys of WCS suitability for small mammals. We also suggest improving the habitat (or at least the cover availability) in the WCS and along the space between them and the surrounding environments to increase WCS suitability for specialist species.

Followership is generally defined as a strategy that evolved to solve social coordination problems, and particularly those involved in group movement. Followership behavior is particularly interesting in the context of road-crossing behavior because it involves other principles such as risk-taking and evaluating the value of social information. This study sought to identify the cognitive mechanisms underlying decision-making by pedestrians who follow another person across the road at the green or at the red light in two different countries (France and Japan). We used agent-based modelling to simulate the road-crossing behaviors of pedestrians. This study showed that modelling is a reliable means to test different hypotheses and find the processes underlying decision-making when crossing the road. We found that two processes suffice to simulate pedestrian behaviors: personal motivation and imitation. Importantly, the study revealed differences between the two nationalities and between sexes in the decision to follow and cross at the green and at the red light. Japanese pedestrians showed a greater mimetic behavior at the red light but the process takes into account both the number of crossing and waiting pedestrians, contrary to French citizens. Finally, the simulations are revealed to be similar to observations, not only for the departure latencies but also for the number of crossing pedestrians and the rates of illegal crossings. The conclusion suggests new solutions for safety in transportation research.

A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road is an eye-opening introduction to the ecological impacts of roads. Drawing on over ten years of active engagement in the field of road ecology, Darryl Jones sheds light on the challenges roads pose to wildlife-and the solutions taken to address them. One of the most ubiquitous indicators of human activity, roads typically promise development and prosperity. Yet they carry with them the threat of disruption to both human and animal lives. Jones surveys the myriad, innovative ways stakeholders across the world have sought to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and minimize road-crossing risks for wildlife, including efforts undertaken at the famed fauna overpasses of Banff National Park, the Singapore Eco-Link, \"tunnels of love\" in the Australian Alps, and others. Along the way, he acquaints readers with concepts and research in road ecology, describing the field's origins and future directions. Engaging and accessible, A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road brings to the foreground an often-overlooked facet of humanity's footprint on earth.

A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road is an eye-opening introduction to the ecological impacts of roads. Drawing on over ten years of active engagement in the field of road ecology, Darryl Jones sheds light on the challenges roads pose to wildlife-and the solutions taken to address them. One of the most ubiquitous indicators of human activity, roads typically promise development and prosperity. Yet they carry with them the threat of disruption to both human and animal lives. Jones surveys the myriad, innovative ways stakeholders across the world have sought to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and minimize road-crossing risks for wildlife, including efforts undertaken at the famed fauna overpasses of Banff National Park, the Singapore Eco-Link, \"tunnels of love\" in the Australian Alps, and others. Along the way, he acquaints readers with concepts and research in road ecology, describing the field's origins and future directions. Engaging and accessible, A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road brings to the foreground an often-overlooked facet of humanity's footprint on earth.

By studying animal movements, researchers can gain insight into many of the ecological characteristics and processes important for understanding population-level dynamics. We developed a Brownian bridge movement model (BBMM) for estimating the expected movement path of an animal, using discrete location data obtained at relatively short time intervals. The BBMM is based on the properties of a conditional random walk between successive pairs of locations, dependent on the time between locations, the distance between locations, and the Brownian motion variance that is related to the animal's mobility. We describe two critical developments that enable widespread use of the BBMM, including a derivation of the model when location data are measured with error and a maximum likelihood approach for estimating the Brownian motion variance. After the BBMM is fitted to location data, an estimate of the animal's probability of occurrence can be generated for an area during the time of observation. To illustrate potential applications, we provide three examples: estimating animal home ranges, estimating animal migration routes, and evaluating the influence of fine-scale resource selection on animal movement patterns.

Walking is the most environmentally sustainable mode of transport, offering wide-ranging physical, mental, and ecological benefits. Yet, pedestrian safety remains a critical concern in urban environments. We examined the relationship between pedestrian crossing behaviour and walkability through two complementary stages. In the first stage, we developed a localised Walkability Index by integrating environmental and street design features, weighted by 52 subject matter experts (SMEs). In the experimental stage, we empirically examined 47 participants for road-crossing decisions under controlled conditions by exposing them to real-world panoramic traffic video scenes in a semi-immersive dome environment. Pedestrians’ crossing-performance differences among scenarios were pronounced in missed crossing opportunities and response times, demonstrating walkability effects on pedestrian behaviour and safety. Further, participants rated the street images for perceived pleasantness. Ratings were compatible with the walkability index scores, supporting its internal validity. Our findings suggest that targeted urban design may reduce decision latency and exposure to traffic hazards. We propose a preliminary theoretical model, contextualising how walkability constructs impact pedestrians’ decisions within a local road crossing context. This study advances understanding of the built environment’s role in shaping pedestrian safety behaviour and strengthens the need for evidence-based urban design policy.

1. The presence of dams, stream-road crossings and other infrastructure often compromises the connectivity of rivers, leading to reduced fish abundance and diversity. The assessment and mitigation of river barriers is critical to the success of restoration efforts aimed at restoring river integrity. 2. In this study, we present a combined modelling approach involving statistical regression methods and mixed integer linear programming to maximize resident fish species richness within a catchment through targeted barrier mitigation. Compared to existing approaches, our proposed method provides enhanced biological realism while avoiding the use of complex and computationally intensive population/ecosystem models. 3. To estimate barrier passability quickly and at low cost, we further outline a rapid barrier assessment methodology. The methodology is used to characterize potential passage barriers for various fish species common to the UK but can be readily adapted to different planning areas and other species of interest. 4. We demonstrate the applicability of our barrier assessment and prioritization approach based on a case study of the River Wey, located in south-east England. We find that significant increases in species richness can be achieved for modest investment in barrier mitigation. In particular, dams and weirs with low passability located on mid- to high-order streams are identified as top priorities for mitigation. 5. Synthesis and applications. Our study shows the benefits of combining a coarse resolution barrier assessment methodology with state-of-the-art optimization modelling to cost-effectively plan fish passage barrier mitigation actions. The modelling approach can help inform on-the-ground river restoration decision-making by providing a recommended course of action that best allocates limited resources in order to restore longitudinal connectivity and maximize ecological gains.