Finding evidence of 70 years of road impact on wildlife and a proposal of mitigation measures. Route 2: Interamericana Sur-Costa Rica

There is a need to generate strong evidence on the impact of roads on wildlife on biodiverse tropical regions to propose the implementation of mitigation measures. Mesoamerica is a biodiverse region and road expansion and improvement is on the rise. Tapirs, oncillas, an endemic rabbit and many other species have been documented being roadkilled on Route 2: Interamericana Sur in Costa Rica. Camera traps and road surveys will give us information about their distribution and how they are being affected by this road. This information will allow us to recommend mitigation measures (e.g., underpasses, fences, arboreal crossings) to decrease the possibility of being killed by cars and to ensure connectivity of their populations. The collection of these type of data on an existing road and the subsequent use of this information to request mitigation measures is a new landmark for the country and will be implemented through a collaborative effort between Panthera and several governmental entities.