Wildlife roadkill in Odisha, India: the threat to biodiversity needs to be addressed

Abstract

Over a 90–day period we assessed wildlife roadkill on National highway NH–16 in the state of Odisha, India. We recorded 123 vertebrate carcasses: 14 species of mammals, nine species of birds, and seven species of reptiles. Our findings reiterated NH–16 as a vulnerable site of roadkill of many native wild animals and birds. Further studies are required where linear infrastructure affects wildlife and appropriate management strategies are needed.