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Abstract
Roads are conspicuous and pervasive features of landscapes and represent one of the most significant anthropogenic impacts on natural areas and wildlife. The Madrean Archipelago is defined by natural levels of fragmentation due to geography; however, human population growth and transportation needs threaten to exacerbate levels of isolation in the region. Scientists, as well as transportation and resource management agencies, have increased their concern about road impacts on wildlife. To identify needs of future research and managements, we reviewed 29 road-ecology-related, peer-reviewed publications and governmental research in Arizona and compiled geography, focal species, and topic. A taxonomic bias toward large mammals (72%) is evident. Study areas are concentrated along highways and state routes (76%). Despite a prevalence of studies on wildlife road crossing, most research focuses on distribution and movements, whereas impacts at the population and community level are rarely described.
Parent Publication
Keywords
Madrean Archipelago,
Sky Islands,
southwestern United States,
northern Mexico,
natural environment,
fauna,
flora,
research,
management,
biodiversity,
climate change
Citation
Chen, Hsiang Ling; Koprowski, John L. 2013. Effects of roads on wildlife in Arizona: How far have we traveled? In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Ffolliott, Peter F.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Collins, Loa C. Merging science and management in a rapidly changing world: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago III and 7th Conference on Research and Resource Management in the Southwestern Deserts; 2012 May 1-5; Tucson, AZ. Proceedings. RMRS-P-67. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 434-438.
