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Evaluating Wildlife–Vehicle Collision Hotspots Using Kernel-Based Estimation: A Focus On The Endangered Asiatic Cheetah In Central Iran, Alireza Mohammadi, Mohammad Kaboli

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The transportation networks within and adjacent to protected areas degrade natural habitats and contribute to a higher risk of mortality through roadkill. Following years of unplanned and unsustainable road network development in Iran, the protected areas of significant biodiversity value have suffered from such phenomenon. Yazd Province, one of Iran’s important biodiversity reservoirs for large mammals, especially the Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), has witnessed a noticeable rate of road expansion along with an associated anthropogenic development. A large percentage (7 out of 50–70) of Asiatic cheetahs has been lost due to vehicle collisions in the region over …