A multi-scale and multi-species approach to evaluate overlap between wildlife corridors and high roadkill risk areas

Human-induced fragmentation and habitat loss are major threats to biodiversity, operating at different spatial scales. Linear infrastructure such as roads can disrupt habitat connectivity, posing a serious threat to animal communities. In this study, we quantified the habitat connectivity and roadkill risk for the mammal community in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Italy. Our objectives were to assess the spatial relationship between wildlife corridors and roadkill risk, and to identify the sites where mitigation measures should be implemented. Our methodology employed a multi-species and multi-scale approach to model habitat connectivity and roadkill risk. In fact, the analyses were conducted separately and at different resolutions to account for species with different movement ability, i.e., by grouping the species into low, medium and high mobility. Habitat connectivity was modelled using Circuitscape, generating 27 scenarios for each mobility species group by combining different resistance values for each land use class. Species distribution models were used to model the roadkill and predict the risk of roadkill across the entire road network. By overlaying wildlife corridors with areas of high roadkill risk, we identified priority areas that require mitigation and management to restore connectivity and prevent roadkill. This proposed approach provides a framework for planning effective multi-species conservation measures.