Wildlife Road Mortality Hotspot Mitigation

Identifying and mitigating specific hotspot locations where wildlife road mortality is concentrated can save thousands of animal lives at relatively low cost.

Key Facts

A small number of road locations typically account for a disproportionate percentage of total road mortality in a given area
Underpasses specifically designed for target species can reduce mortality by 80-95% at treated sites
Exclusion fencing combined with crossing structures is more effective than crossing structures alone
Badger underpasses in the UK have been shown to maintain population connectivity and significantly reduce road casualties
Cost-benefit analyses consistently show that wildlife crossing infrastructure is economically justified through avoided accident costs

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife road mortality is highly spatially concentrated, meaning that targeted intervention at hotspot locations can generate substantial welfare benefits for a given investment. Effective mitigation combines three elements: crossing structures appropriate for target species dimensions and behaviour, exclusion fencing that guides animals towards crossings rather than across open road, and monitoring to verify use and effectiveness. Community involvement in hotspot identification through road kill recording apps has dramatically improved the quality and coverage of data needed to prioritise mitigation sites. The welfare benefit extends beyond direct mortality reduction to reducing injury from sub-lethal road strikes.

What You Can Do

Record road kill observations in your local area using apps such as Project Splatter to contribute to hotspot mapping
Advocate for wildlife crossing structures and exclusion fencing on roads near known wildlife movement corridors
Support campaigns for wildlife-sensitive road design standards in highway planning policy
Donate to organisations mapping wildlife road mortality and advocating for effective mitigation
Engage local authorities about installing crossing structures at identified hotspot locations in your area