Road mortality report of the genus bufo in northeastern Türkiye

Abstract

Abstract: Amphibians, especially those living near lakes, wetlands, and small water bodies, are the most vulnerable vertebrate group to vehicle collision. The aim of this study was to monitor and determine the causes of road mortality of two amphibian species (Bufo bufo and Bufo verrucosissimus) belonging to the same genus identified during the fieldwork conducted in April and June 2021. In total, 213 roadkill individuals have been detected in independent surveys. While 89.20% of these individuals were B. bufo, 10.80% of belonged to B. verrucosissimus. In general, amphibian road mortality is intense in the spring season. Moreover, the frequency of these mortalities can last until late summer. Our study supported the general pattern, and most of observations were recorded during spring (April–May) as well as summer period (June–July). The highest number of roadkill mortality was observed in İkizdere town of Rize province for B. bufo, and Murgul town of Artvin province for B. verrucosissimus. These areas with the highest number of deaths were determined as hotspots based on the heatmap shaped by kernel density calculation. Therefore, mitigation measures should be taken by local authorities to reduce mortality rate in these hotspots.