TO WILD ANIMALS

society, more people means more cars on every road.

While roadkill statistics take into account the number of animals killed, do they account for animals that crawl off the road to die after being hit?

What about the number of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds? Snakes are particularly vulnerable as the warm asphalt attracts them. What about the thousands of insects smashed on windshields?

Despite signboards on animal crossings, transverse bars, solar amber lights, animal viaducts, tunnels and pathways at locations with the highest number of roadkill, wildlife continues to perish.

The questions are: How effective are the animal crossings in reducing roadkill; and have any studies been conducted to find the percentage of wildlife that uses the constructed animal crossings?

Roadkill should not occur as long as there is proper planning among agencies before construction of roads and highways through wildlife habitats. Roads are threats to the survival of wildlife.

They act as a displacement factor that affects animal distribution and movement patterns.

Animal population fragmenting occurs when access corridors that encourage development and logging, traverse through the national forests.

Poaching of rare plants and animals occurs, threatening the existence of the forests’ rare flora and fauna.

Humans demand new roads for connectivity, forcing wild animals closer to roads and human settlements, so that even new wildlife crossings can do little to save animal lives.

The Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authorities must not turn a blind eye to the negative impact of new roads and highways to the environment.

Reckless planning and construction of new roads could have a huge impact on the surrounding environment and the ecosystem.

Roadkill can be avoided if these bodies show a high level of concern about the importance of wildlife and their conservation.

When potential risks to the environment are identified and assessed, and management options thoroughly considered, road managers, planners and scientists can work together to determine where it is best to site new roads and minimise any ecological damage.

Humans demand new roads for connectivity, forcing wild animals closer to roads and human settlements, so that even new wildlife crossings can do little to save animal lives.