Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) based on the animal species, and to deepen the knowledge of temporal patterns of vehicle collisions with roe deer and wild boar. The study analyses the data from police reports on vehicle collisions with animals on state roads, by date and time, section of road, and animal species over a 5-year period (2012–2016). These data were analysed to determine the temporal dynamics of vehicle collisions with roe deer and wild boar by month, time of day, and moon phase. On the state roads in the Dinaric area, roe deer are most commonly involved in vehicle collisions (70.1% of all collisions), followed by wild boar (11.0%). Other large species involved in collisions were fallow deer (4.8%), brown bear (1.8%), red deer (0.9%), grey wolf (0.7%), and European mouflon (0.5%), respectively. Most collisions with roe deer occurred in the period April–August, with reduced frequency during autumn and winter. For wild boar, there was no association between month and frequency of collisions. At the annual level, collisions with roe deer were significantly higher during night (37%) and twilight (41%) than during the day (22%). For wild boar, most collisions occurred during twilight (26%) and night (72%), although the difference between these two periods was not statistically significant. For roe deer, collisions had no association with lunar phase, though wild boar collisions during twilight (dawn or dusk) were more common during twilight periods on days with less moonlight. Since vehicle collisions with wildlife showed certain temporal patterns, these should be taken into consideration in developing statistical models of spatial WVC patterns, and also in planning strategies and countermeasures to mitigate WVC issues.
Highlights
The expansion of the road network and increasing traffic density, together with increasing vehicle speeds, in developed countries, have led to a major traffic issue – more frequent vehicle collisions with humans (Shad and Rahimi 2017) and wildlife
An analysis of the frequency and outcome of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC), conducted in Sweden in the early 2000s, showed that 5% of all collisions with animals result in human injuries, and 10 to 15 cases per year end with human fatalities (Seiler and Folkeson 2006)
In Europe, collisions with larger animals most frequently occur with roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, e.g. Madsen et al 2002, Pokorny 2006, Langbein et al 2011, Putzu et al 2014), followed by wild boar (Sus scrofa, e.g. Šprem et al 2013, Putzu et al 2014)
Summary
The expansion of the road network and increasing traffic density, together with increasing vehicle speeds, in developed countries, have led to a major traffic issue – more frequent vehicle collisions with humans (Shad and Rahimi 2017) and wildlife (regardless of the species of vertebrate, Hell et al 2005, Fahrig and Rytwinski 2009). Most experts agree that the increasing number of animal deaths on the transportation network (roads and railway lines) is due to the increasing density of roads, faster vehicle speeds and increasing number of certain animal species (especially even-toed ungulates, e.g. Seiler 2004, Apollonio et al 2010).
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