The effect of highway on spatial distribution and daily activity of mammals

The Russian Far East is a unique location that may be considered a hot spot of biodiversity in Russia. In 2010, a new illuminated highway for high-speed traffic was built on its territory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of this highway on the distribution and activity of various mammalian species. We set up camera traps in five lines near the road and obtained photos of 1372 passes of various animals. In total, 15 species of wild mammals were captured by camera traps. Animals preferred to stay far away from the road. This highway became a serious barrier separating the local populations of ungulates and carnivores. Only domestic animals and Amur wild cat used the underpasses more often than other areas. The distance from the road did not affect the daily activity of the mammals.

Automated summary

The study showed that the new illuminated highway built in the Russian Far East has had an impact on the distribution and activity of wild mammals, acting as a barrier separating local populations of ungulates and carnivores.