Severe conservation risks of roads on apex predators

Itxaso Quintana,Freddie-Jeanne Richard,Bibek R Shrestha,Jeffrey A Dunnink,Felipe M Fantacini,María Ariza,Edgar F Cifuentes,Daniela Martínez-Medina

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-05294-9

Abstract

The global expansion of road networks threatens apex predator conservation and ecosystem functioning. This occurs through wildlife-vehicle collisions, habitat loss and fragmentation, reduced genetic connectivity and increased poaching. We reviewed road impacts on 36 apex predator species and assessed their risk from current roads based on road exposure and species vulnerability. Our findings reveal all apex predators are exposed to road impacts. Eight of the ten species with the highest risk occur in Asia, although other high-risk species are present in the Americas, Africa and Europe. The sloth bear suffers the highest risk of all apex predators, followed by the tiger and dhole. Based on species risk from roads, we propose a widely applicable method to assess the potential impact of future roads on apex predators. We applied this method to proposed road developments in three areas: the Brazilian Amazon, Africa, and Nepal, to locate high-impact road segments. Roughly 500 protected areas will be intersected by these roads, threatening core apex predator habitats. We advocate the need for rigorous road development planning to apply effective mitigation measures as an urgent priority and to avoid construction in wilderness areas and predator strongholds.

Highlights

The global expansion of road networks threatens apex predator conservation and ecosystem functioning
We reviewed how existing road networks produce substantial impacts on apex predators
We developed a method to assess the risk of predators from roads globally and showed that all species are currently exposed to the road network, most notably in Asia

Summary

Introduction

The global expansion of road networks threatens apex predator conservation and ecosystem functioning This occurs through wildlife-vehicle collisions, habitat loss and fragmentation, reduced genetic connectivity and increased poaching. Based on species risk from roads, we propose a widely applicable method to assess the potential impact of future roads on apex predators. We applied this method to proposed road developments in three areas: the Brazilian Amazon, Africa, and Nepal, to locate high-impact road segments. It is essential to establish a deeper understanding of the impact of current and proposed roads on apex predators This knowledge can form the base for meaningful engagement between road planning committees, financiers, and local stakeholders to ensure biodiversity is protected while achieving the maximum social and economic benefit

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