First report on animal-vehicle collisions impact on wild and domestic animals in northern Algeria

Abstract

Animal-vehicle collisions (AVCs) are considered a major cause of wildlife mortality. This study identified carcasses of AVC-killed animals along a road network located south of Algiers. The results showed that different types of wild and domestic animals were killed by vehicles, mostly mammals. In terms of diversity, wild animals are more subjected to AVC than domestic ones. But, dogs were the most commonly reported. Hyaena hyaena, declared a threatened species, was also reported in this AVC study. Moreover, the road types’ diversity and seasonal variation also affected the AVC-affected animals. More collaboration between fauna conservationists and road authorities seems to be urgent to reduce AVC in Algeria.