Abstract
Roads have numerous direct and indirect ecological impacts on wildlife. Roads constitute an extensive and integral part of our environment. Collisions with vehicles kill a large number of birds every year. The present study was carried out from January 2016 to December 2016. The data was collected from Nehru Memorial College to Pavithram Lake of Thuraiyur to Namakkal road of Musiri Taluk, Tiruchchirappalli District. During this study, we recorded a total of 64 birds belonging to 12 species killed due to vehicular traffic. A maximum of 11 birds were killed in the months of January and October, and a minimum of two bird kills were observed in the months of September and December. Of the 64 birds, the roadside mortality was observed to the tune of 25%, 20.3%, 14%, 12.5%, 10.9%, 4.6%, and 4.6% for Southern Coucal Centropus parroti, Common Myna Acridotheres tristis, House Crow Corvus splendens, Spotted Owlet Athene brama, Indian Jungle Crow Corvus culminatus, Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis, and Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi. Other birds such as Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus, Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis, Shikra Accipiter badius, White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus, and White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus accounted for 1.5% mortality. Suggestive measures to prevent wildlife loss due to vehicular traffic are presented in this communication.
Highlights
The opinions expressed by the authors do not reflect the views of the Journal of Threatened Taxa, Wildlife Information Liaison Development Society, Zoo Outreach Organization, or any of the partners
More number of bird mortality in the months of January and October might be correlated with the movement of general public in their own and public vehicles before and after local festivals such as ‘Pongal’ and ‘Diwali’
During these months the vehicular traffic density would be more when compared to all other months in the year and this would have caused a higher number of bird roadkills
Summary
The study area was selected between Nehru Memorial College and Pavithram Lake of Musiri Taluk (State Highway numbers 62 and 161 between Thuraiyur and Namakkal) (Figure 1). This is one of the busiest routes of this area and it is used commonly by two-wheelers, cars, public transport buses, and goods carriers of various sizes. The altitude of the chosen study area ranged 110–225 m. On the 41-km road stretch on either side, the following habitats of mostly rainfed crop lands, barren lands, human habitations, and a few forest areas were observed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
