Road expansion: A challenge to conservation of mammals, with particular emphasis on the endangered Asiatic cheetah in Iran

Roads threaten Asiatic cheetahs in Iran

“…We therefore used three approaches to triangulate cheetah-vehicle collision hotspots: density analysis, spatial autocorrelation analysis and qualitative consideration of the impacts of each event. Density analysis was carried out using previously described methodology [6,7]. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was carried out using Morans I (Spatial Autocorrelation and Anselin Local Morans I) and Getis-Ord (Getis-Ord General G, clustering and Getis-Ord Gi*) tests in ArcGIS 10.3 (www.esri.com).…”

“…However, for both the Local Morans I and Getis-Ord Hot Spot Analysis tests, a single statisticallysignifi cant cluster (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively) was identifi ed on SSH in Semnan Province ( Figure 1B), between the Touran Biosphere Reserve (TBR) and the Khosh Yeilagh and Miandasht Wildlife Refuges (MWR). This cheetah-vehicle collision hotspot was also identifi ed in [7]; however, the statistical signifi cance of the cluster was not assessed. A previous study [7] proposed that one reason Asiatic cheetah and other wildlife-vehicle collisions might be concentrated in this zone of the highway was because it bisects a hypothetical 'wildlife corridor' between TBR and MWR; however, no evidence was provided for the existence of this corridor.…”

“…This cheetah-vehicle collision hotspot was also identifi ed in [7]; however, the statistical signifi cance of the cluster was not assessed. A previous study [7] proposed that one reason Asiatic cheetah and other wildlife-vehicle collisions might be concentrated in this zone of the highway was because it bisects a hypothetical 'wildlife corridor' between TBR and MWR; however, no evidence was provided for the existence of this corridor. Similarly, we do not conclude that the cluster we identify is evidence of a corridor.…”

“…sensitive habitats in Semnan and Yazd Provinces of Iran has increased in recent decades, with subsequent increases in cheetah-vehicle collisions [6,7]. This high level of Asiatic cheetah mortality on Iran's roads may be associated with: fi rst, the subdivision of cheetah home ranges by roads; second, reduced prey availability due to human hunting triggering more long-distance movements; third, greater dispersal distances from natal ranges in protected areas as a result of habitat loss, poaching and persecution by herders; and fourth, higher traffi c volumes on both SSH and the Mehriz-Anar Expressway (MAE; passes through the Kalmand Protected Area in Yazd Province) with average traffi c volume of 7,447 [7] and 12,948 [8] vehicles per day, respectively, after upgrading to dual carriageways approximately 20 years ago. To date, the main approach taken to reduce road mortality for the Asiatic cheetah has been centered on the use of standard and enhanced wildlife warning signs, advising motorists to reduce speed and stay alert for cheetahs crossing [9].…”

“…In Iran, wildlife crossing structures generally take the form of drainage culverts that carry a stream or open drain under roads or railways and are generally dry except in periods of heavy runoff. Although culverts are available under SSH and MAE in the vicinity of the identifi ed cheetah mortality events and clusters, few have appropriate dimensions for large mammals, while the remainder would prevent Asiatic cheetah use due to unsuitable width or height, insuffi cient light, inappropriate substrate or noise pollution [6,7]. A previous study [7] concluded that two culverts under SSH were used on two different occasions (i.e., one in summer and one in winter) by two Asiatic cheetahs.…”