Driver’s perception about the factors involved in running over of wild animals

Abstract

The trampling of wild animals on highways is the major threat for many species of Brazilian fauna. This issue has been increasingly studied by researchers, which show the mortality of wildlife on the highways. However, little is known about the awareness of drivers about the impact of trampling on the wildlife. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of drivers traveling through stretch of the highway BR482, between the cities of Conselheiro Lafaiete and Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, about the factors involved in the road-kill of wild animals. The work consisted of applying a questionnaire containing questions about the trampling of wild animals. In a 130km stretch of the BR 482, were approached 655 drivers who travel in this route. The questionnaire results were consistent with studies on the subject, showing that drivers are aware about the causes and the impact loss caused by the running over of wild animals. All drivers have shown an interest by the preservation of species of local fauna, being participatory and adherents to the cause.