As road networks continue to inch into the breathtaking yet fragile ecosystems of mountainous regions, a concerning trend is emerging: endangered and vulnerable wildlife is increasingly falling prey to vehicle collisions. This dire issue was brought to light by Professor Aliza le Roux at the recently held Southern African Mountain Conference (SAMC2025), where researchers and policymakers convened to discuss pressing environmental challenges.
Prof Le Roux, who serves as the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State, presented a comprehensive study titled Patterns of wildlife-vehicle collision in montane environments. This research highlighted that certain endangered animals, such as the African wild dog and elephants, along with vulnerable species like lions and leopards, are at significant risk as their habitats become accessible to vehicles.
The troubling findings span not only mammals but also birds, with species such as the critically endangered hooded vulture and the endangered steppe eagle being documented as roadkill casualties. The research team, which included Dr Katlego Mashiane and Dr Clara Grilo, painstakingly reviewed published data from 1971 to 2024, revealing a shockingly limited understanding of roadkill incidents in Africa's mountainous regions.
The findings uncovered during this research illustrate a stark reality: amphibian species are among the most frequently killed in mountainous terrains, whereas mammalian roadkill occurs predominantly in low-lying areas. Alarmingly, about 7.7% of species killed at higher elevations are classified as near threatened or vulnerable, while 3% of roadkill birds at moderate elevations are also of conservation concern.
"Increased vehicular traffic and better-paved roads in montane environments heighten the risks to wildlife inhabiting these regions," noted Prof Le Roux. She explained that smaller species, often overlooked by drivers, suffer a disproportionately high mortality rate compared to larger mammals. Furthermore, the unpredictable weather and rugged topography of mountainous areas present additional hazards, complicating both animal behaviour and driver awareness.
Using advanced geospatial techniques, the researchers classified elevation levels and analysed roadkill data for over 5,500 individual instances across various species. This meticulous research indicated that as we venture further into these biodiverse mountainous regions, the consequences for wildlife could become irrevocably severe.
Despite the significant revelations of this study, Prof Le Roux acknowledged the challenges posed by the scarcity of systematic data across the continent. The research currently relies on contributions from only 10 African countries, with most studies lacking the longitudinal analysis needed to draw comprehensive conclusions. "The accidents in mountainous areas are something to be aware of, as we move further into mountains that often host vulnerable and unique biodiversity," she stated.
In the face of these findings, researchers and wildlife advocates are calling for actionable steps to mitigate roadkill risks, emphasising the need for systematic monitoring and safer road designs that accommodate both vehicles and wildlife.