Literature synthesis of the effects of roads and vehicles on amphibians and reptiles

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This report contains a summary of ongoing work on the behavioral, physiological, and ecological effects of roads and vehicles on amphibians and reptiles (herpetofauna). Roads are the ultimate manifestation of urbanization and provide essential connectivity within and between rural and heavily populated areas. However, the continual expansion of this infrastructure has ecological consequences. Road impacts extend across temporal and spatial scales beginning during the early stages of construction, progressing through final completion, and continuing with daily use. The most obvious effects are direct: wildlife injury or death during road construction or from vehicle contact and the destruction of habitat. In addition to these readily measurable effects, road impacts are further compounded by a variety of indirect effects (which can be pervasive through habitat fragmentation) on herpetofauna and extending to population and community levels. This report further identifies potential threats to amphibians and reptiles by noting and discussing previous applicable research in road ecology. The report also provides examples of physiological, ecological, and behavioral traits inherent among herpetofauna that enhance their susceptibility to habitat alterations and environmental changes associated with development and roads, emphasizing areas in which impacts have not yet been documented but are likely. An ecological framework is presented to suggest research questions and encourage investigators to pursue goals that relate to direct and indirect effects of road development and subsequent urbanization on herpetofauna. The current and possible approaches for resolving and preventing conflicts between wildlife and roads are also presented. The literature synthesis is an up-to-date reference for consideration of road effects on U.S. amphibians and reptiles. This report will be of interest to government officials responsible for highway planning, road construction, and environmental impact assessments and to anyone concerned with incorporating ecological research related to environmental concerns, mitigations, and modifications applicable to U.S. roads and the vehicles that use them.

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Reference Code: U06AND01IDUS

Location: ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology

Citation (generic): Andrews, K. M., J. W. Gibbons, and D. M. Jochimsen. 2006. Literature synthesis of the effects
of roads and vehicles on amphibians and reptiles. Report No. FHWA-HEP-08-005. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC. 151 pp.

Citation (CSE style): Andrews KM (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC), Gibbons JW (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC), Jochimsen DM (Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID). 2006. Literature synthesis of the effects of roads and vehicles on amphibians and reptiles. 150 p. Washington (DC): US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. McLean (VA): Federal Highway Administration. Publication FHWA-HEP-08-005. Contract No.: DTFH61-04-H-00036.

Performing organization was University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802.
Sponsoring portion of the FHA was Office of Research and Technology Services, FHA, 6300 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA.