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<p>The expansion of linear infrastructures is one of the main factors responsible for the destruction of natural habitats, leading to animal population declines and their final local extinction. Amphibians are among the groups most vulnerable to road traffic. The aim of this study was to identify amphibian species affected by roads in northern Morocco, and to determine the environmental factors influencing amphibian road mortality using occupancy models. Four roads stretches (73&#xa0;km in total) were surveyed monthly over three years, and 1,126 amphibians killed on these roads were recorded, representing six species. <i>Sclerophrys mauritanica</i> contributed the most to road mortality due to its year-round abundance and migratory life-history pattern. Road mortality reached its peak in spring, coinciding with the breeding season of most species. Amphibian mortality was significantly aggregated along roads. Our findings indicate that the likelihood of amphibian road mortality was influenced by the presence of corridors and bridges, proximity to water, tertiary roads, inhabited areas, and riverine habitats. This study provides the first database on the threat of roads on amphibian populations in North Africa. This information will be useful in monitoring projects for the conservation and mitigation of road impacts on amphibians, taking into account high-risk areas for these species.</p>

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Occupancy analysis uncovers environmental factors contributing to road mortality of amphibians

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月15日

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  • Yassine El Kourchi,
  • Xavier Santos,
  • Soumia Fahd,
  • Brahim Chergui

摘要

The expansion of linear infrastructures is one of the main factors responsible for the destruction of natural habitats, leading to animal population declines and their final local extinction. Amphibians are among the groups most vulnerable to road traffic. The aim of this study was to identify amphibian species affected by roads in northern Morocco, and to determine the environmental factors influencing amphibian road mortality using occupancy models. Four roads stretches (73 km in total) were surveyed monthly over three years, and 1,126 amphibians killed on these roads were recorded, representing six species. Sclerophrys mauritanica contributed the most to road mortality due to its year-round abundance and migratory life-history pattern. Road mortality reached its peak in spring, coinciding with the breeding season of most species. Amphibian mortality was significantly aggregated along roads. Our findings indicate that the likelihood of amphibian road mortality was influenced by the presence of corridors and bridges, proximity to water, tertiary roads, inhabited areas, and riverine habitats. This study provides the first database on the threat of roads on amphibian populations in North Africa. This information will be useful in monitoring projects for the conservation and mitigation of road impacts on amphibians, taking into account high-risk areas for these species.