Road mortality is one of the largest direct causes of wildlife death globally, with significant welfare implications and practical mitigation solutions available.
Road mortality causes acute welfare harm through traumatic injury, with animals that are not immediately killed suffering for hours or days from untreated injuries. The scale is staggering - a single road through suitable habitat can kill hundreds of animals per year. Hedgehogs, otters, amphibians, and deer are among the species most severely impacted in the UK. Beyond individual animal suffering, population-level impacts on some species represent cumulative welfare harm affecting entire populations. Practical mitigation measures - wildlife crossings, appropriate fencing, road verge management, and speed reduction - can dramatically reduce mortality at identified hotspots. Driver behavior - slowing down, particularly at night and in rural areas - is also a direct welfare intervention.