Impact of vehicular traffic on animal mortality in Horton Plains and Yala National Parks of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The negative impacts of road network on biodiversity are of increasing international interest and concern (Spellerberg, 1998). Construction of road network cause habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and degradation and affect wildlife and its habitats direct and indirect manner. Much of the debate on the effects of roads on wildlife has also focused on the barrier effect of roads for movement of mammals and amphibians (Forman and Alexandra, 1998). Roads of all kinds have several broad ecological effects for plants and animals. These ecological effects include alteration of the physical and chemical environment and changes in animal behavior especially those inhabiting forested areas adjoining roads. Mortality of wild animals due to vehicular traffic on roads and highways is one of the direct impacts of anthropogenic activities with increased visitation (Chiarello, 1999).