• Assessment and Prediction of the Effects of Highways on Population Ecological and Genetic Properties of Selected Faunal Groups

    NCDOT Research Project Number: 2001-14

Executive Summary

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    The focus of this study was to identify effects of roads on amphibian species that might serve as predictors of future sensitivity to habitat fragmentation. To accomplish this task, 134 sites were sampled, primarily in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, using both active and passive methods. Animals were collected at the study sites from August 2000 until December, 2002. A significant drought (a rainfall deficit of >14 inches) spanned the entire study period. The low number of animals studied is likely a result of the high mortality rates and low activity levels displayed by amphibians during drought conditions. ​

    This research project provides an extensive review of the literature dealing with roads as barriers to amphibian movement. Patterns derived from the literature provide a framework for the recommendations made in the research report. Also included in the report is a description of the modeling of habitat fragmentation and barriers. This model was the framework for the interpretation of the genetic analysis, and is the focus of ongoing study.

  
Zhen Zhu
Researchers
  
Alan E. Stiven
  
  
G. Dennis Pipkin

Related Documents

Report Period

  • August 2000 - December 2002

Status

  • Complete

Category

  • Environment and Hydraulics

Sub Category

  • Flora and Fauna

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