Estimating the effects of roads on migration: a barren-ground caribou case study

Canadian Journal of Zoology, Ahead of Print. A challenge for management of wildlife species is the assessment of the effect of roads on migration. We developed models to estimate the spatial (zone of influence (ZOI)) and temporal (delays in migration) effects of roads, and test whether road closures reduced delays in migration. We analyzed collar (2011 –2019) and road survey data from two barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus (Borowski, 1780)) herds to assess the impact of a 171 km mine road that bisects their migration corridor. We estimated ZOIs of 16–17 km prior to crossing the road during 2018 and 2019, and 3.0 km af ter crossing. Estimates of mean delay were 4.3 and 2.5 days for 2018 and 2019, which were reduced by 28%–68% (1.2–1.7 days) if roads were closed when caribou were within the ZOI. In 2017–2018, when the road was extended 64 km north, caribou were 12% less likely to deflect north around the road, therefore increasing delays. Road surveys indicated aggregation of caribou prior to crossing the road, with few caribou observed after crossing, a finding supported by collar data. Our methods can estimate the spatial and temporal effects of roads for any wildlife species and assess mitigation strategies in reducing delays in migration.

Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - December 8, 2023 Category: Zoology Authors: John Boulanger Robin Kite Mitch Campbell Jason Shaw David Lee Stephen Atkinson Source Type: research