Reducing Road Mortality of a Species at Risk Using Movement Informed Wildlife Ecopassage

The jurisdiction of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) covers densely urbanized areas, agricultural land, and natural features including forest, wetlands, and valley corridors. Connectivity between natural habitats is important for species resilience and maintaining biodiversity. When natural habitat areas are disconnected, they become fragmented. Fragmentation is especially problematic where it interrupts movement corridors used by species that undertake seasonal migrations between overwintering and breeding/rearing habitat. The construction of new roads, and maintenance of existing roads, is a specific threat to many migratory species. This is especially true for small, slow moving amphibians and reptiles migrating between habitats. Wildlife crossings (e.g., passages, fencing, and overpasses) have been used to reduce road morality and improve connectivity among habitats and populations for many species. This project aims to evaluate road mortality and breeding pond survey data collected in 2022 and 2023 to identify areas of high crossing activity (i.e., successful crossing and mortalities) in Happy Valley, King Township, Ontario. The results of this analysis will be used to inform the placement of a wildlife crossing structures; support safe movement of salamanders and other wildlife along two roads in Happy Valley;

Faculty Supervisor:

Kevin McCann

Student:

Partner:

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (Vaughan, ON)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

University of Guelph

Program: