Ungulates and trains – Factors influencing flight responses and detectability

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114992
• Publication Date: 2022-04-12T18:46:00Z
• Authors: Manisha Bhardwaj; Mattias Olsson; Emma Håkansson; Pär Söderström; Andreas Seiler
• Keywords: Capreolus

Wildlife-train collisions can have deleterious effects on local wildlife populations and come with high socio-economic costs, such as damages, delays, psychological distress. In this study, we explored two major components of wildlife-train collisions: the response to oncoming trains detection by drivers. Using dashboard cameras, flight roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) moose (Alces alces) which factors, lighting physical obstructions, affect their a majority cases, fled from an train, at average initiation distance (FID) 78 m 79 respectively. Warning horns had unexpected influences behaviour. While initiated flight, average, 44 further away train when warned, they usually towards tracks, in direction danger. FID moose, however, was unaffected use warning horn. As speed increased, lower FID, but did not change. Finally, obstructed presence vegetation uneven terrain rail-side verge, could increase risk collisions. Our results indicate need for early reduce We propose that systems should include thermal cameras allow behind dark, cues warn escape railway corridor safely.