Influence of Landscape Factors on Wildlife Presence and Road Mitigation Structure Performance

Author

Taylor M. Hopkins, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Richard J. Kline

Second Advisor

Dr. John Young Jr.

Third Advisor

Dr. Alejandro Fierro Cabo

Abstract

There are roughly 80 ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) remaining in the United States, with the entire population constrained to south Texas, with roadkill being a predominant source of mortality. To prevent additional roadkill and maintain wildlife movement, Texas Department of Transportation constructed 11.9 kilometers of wildlife exclusion fencing, 5 wildlife crossing structures (WCS), and 18 wildlife guards on State Highway 100. This thesis focused on determining the effort required for a control-impact monitoring study, the influence of biotic and abiotic factors around the roadway on wildlife presence, and the performance of mitigation structures and the road mitigation corridor. This research shows that control-impact studies are important for road ecology projects and their design strongly influences survey effort. Additionally, felid presence is likely influenced by vegetation and distance to WCS, and will most likely use WCS with a small box-culvert design.

Comments

Copyright 2020 Taylor M. Hopkins. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/influence-landscape-factors-on-wildlife-presence/docview/2493113737/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Hopkins, Taylor M., "Influence of Landscape Factors on Wildlife Presence and Road Mitigation Structure Performance" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 480.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/480