Impacts of linear transport infrastructure on terrestrial vertebrate species and conservation in China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02207
• Publication Date: 2022-06-24T02:39:38Z
• Authors: Yun Wang; Jiapeng Qu; Yongshun Han; Lixia Du; Mingyue Wang; Yangang Yang; Guanghua Cao; Shuangcheng Tao; Yaping Kong
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Ecology; Road-effect zone; Road ecology; Roadkill; Wildlife crossing structure; 01 natural sciences; QH540-549.5; Barrier effect

Two strategic documents issued by the Chinese Central Government projected that, mid-21st century, linear transport infrastructure (LTI) network of China will rank at forefront ecological and sustainable networks globally. With this goal, it is urgent to summarize existing research, benchmark international research levels, propose development directions strategies for terrestrial vertebrate species protection around LTI in China. In study, we searched peer-reviewed papers before 2020 both databases. A total 170 academic articles were collected. Most focused on roads, but some railways, which Qinghai-Tibet Railway occupied half. The most researched taxa mammals, including Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii), Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), number bird was less than half that mammal papers, fewer amphibian reptile studies. impact wildlife classified habitat effects, roadkill, behavioral influences, barrier effects. Wildlife preservation efforts included surveys, route selection, subgrade pavement design, design monitoring crossing structures. Studies concentrated five zoogeographical regions, i.e., Qinghai-Tibet, South China, Northeast Southwest regions. Conservation suggestions, knowledge gaps, future identified through comparisons with state research. These focal priorities help guide road ecology Multi-disciplinary, cross-departmental, national level necessary. Based review, a data integration platform should be established cooperate teams mitigate adverse effects made.