Present status and issues of roadkill record, lessons from a case of Tottori Prefecture

Abstract

Roadkill (RK) refers to wildlife killed as a result of the collision with a vehicle. RK prevention is an important issue not only for environmental conservation but also for safe driving. In this study, we focused on RK records (RKR). RKR is an invaluable source of biological information that provides the basis for solving RK problems. The RKR can be used to identify RK hot spots, analyze the causes of its occurrence, propose preventive countermeasures, and understand the animal habitat. Moreover, RKR is big data with a large amount and variety. Therefore, the systematization of records is important. Previous studies have reported the content and management of RKR; thus, this study focuses on the current situation and issues of the RKR in Tottori Prefecture. Besides, future RKR improvements and methods are also proposed. Data on RKR were collected through interviews via phone, e-mail, and direct visits to related organizations such as road administrators, police department, prefectural departments that rescue injured birds and mammals, and local museums during the period from 2018 to 2019. Consequently, it was found that some organizations did not record RKR and even if it was collected, the data are too few to meet the need for countermeasure implementation and scientific analysis both from qualitative and quantitative points of view. One of the main reasons for insufficient records is the RK status in each organization. Nearly all organizations (except highway road administrators) did not utilize RKR for countermeasure implementation and analysis. In the future, it is desirable to improve the content and format of RKR, considering the importance and burden of RKR in each organization. Establishment of a suitable RK recording system and enactment of favorable RK policies are of paramount importance for the alleviation of RK.