The effect of habitat reduction by roads on space use and movement patterns of an endangered species, the Cabrera vole Microtus cabrerae

Abstract

Roads are among the most widespread signs of man’s presence around the globe. From simple low traffic trails to wide and highly used highways, roads have a wide array of effects on wildlife. In the present study, we tested how habitat reduction by roads may affect the space use and movement patterns of the Cabrera vole (Microtus cabrerae), a near-threatened Iberian endemism, often living on road verges. A total of 16 voles were successfully radio-tracked in two habitat patches with different size and proximity to roads. Results showed that individuals from the smaller patch (Verge patch) had smaller and less complex home-ranges than those from the larger patch (Meadow patch). Movement patterns were significantly influenced by the day period but only in individuals from the Verge patch. There was evidence of a barrier effect in both habitat patches, being this effect much more noticeable in the verge population. Overall, this study shows that space use and movement patterns of Cabrera voles near roads may be affected by the degree of habitat reduction imposed by these infrastructures. This suggests that species space use and movement patterns at fine-scale should be accounted for in road planning, even for species that may benefit from road verge habitats as refuges.

Ecological Solutions for Linear Infrastructure Networks: The key to green infrastructure development

“…Roads were a behavioural barrier to the movement of small-sized carnivores, although they also take advantage of road proximity as feeding areas (Ferreira et al 2022). In another study, Fernandes et al (2022) also found Cabrera voles (Microtus cabrerae), an endangered small mammal, had different space use and movement patterns when living on road verges compared to living away from the road. Both studies highlight the need to integrate species behaviour into road permeability projects.…”