Assessing the effect of roads on impala (Aepyceros melampus) stress levels using faecal glucocorticoid metabolites

Abstract

PrefaceThe background for this study is the imminent threat of global species decline, which I believe deserve immediate attention to enable us to preserve the Earth's biosphere and ensure that future generations will inherit a functioning planet. It is in direct association with the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of the United Nations, which aims to conserve biological diversity, ensure sustainable use and an equal sharing of our resources.

Do impala really avoid tourist roads? A response to Mulero‐Pázmány, D'Amico & González‐Suárez (2016)

“…Behaviour: more flight responses were recorded along the lower traffic density unpaved roads, rather than paved roads. Increased traffic densities on unpaved roads would most likely lead to the same behavioural effects (see Lunde et al, 2016). Here, however, the opposite is reported.…”

“…Furthermore, although traffic intensity rather than the type of road surface tends to be positively related to disturbance effect (e.g. Leblond et al, 2012;Lunde et al, 2016), almost twice as many flight responses were recorded along unpaved roads. As unpaved roads support, on average, far lower traffic volumes, an alternative explanation could therefore be that greater traffic volumes result in heightened levels of habituation, reducing disturbance and flight responses.…”

“…The authors address an important topic and the rarity of such studies in African ecosystems means that their results, conclusions and potential recommendations are of particular importance for protected area management. Road networks undoubtedly have net-negative effects on ecosystems (Fahrig & Rytwinski, 2009), and even relatively low traffic volumes may result in a detectable increase in impala stress levels (Lunde et al, 2016). Mulero-P azm any et al (2016) reported that impala avoided the habitats immediately alongside paved roads, while unpaved roads were not avoided, and that traffic intensity had additional negative effects on impala behaviour.…”

Advancing road ecology in Africa with robust analyses and cautious inferences: a response to Jackson et al. (2017)

“…However, the literature shows ungulates respond to vehicles at distances >215 m (Horejsi, ; Blackwell & Seamans, ; Marino & Johnson, ). In fact, two of the authors in the commentary, Jackson and Røskaft, have themselves evaluated road impacts on impala in other regions of Africa using data from animals located from 0 to 300 m from the road (Lunde et al ., ). Presumably, in that study these authors thought it was ecologically relevant to evaluate road‐related impacts at the same distances they criticize in our study.…”

Trophy Hunting Versus Ecotourism as a Conservation Model? Assessing the Impacts on Ungulate Behaviour and Demographics in the Ruaha-Rungwa Ecosystem, Central Tanzania

“…Anthropogenic disturbances affect wildlife populations in many ways (Christiane Averbeck, Apio, Plath, & Wronski, 2009;Lindsey et al, 2013;Lunde, Bech, Fyumagwa, Jackson, & Røskaft, 2016;Matthias Waltert, Meyer, & Kiffner, 2011;Mathias Waltert et al, 2008). In response, animals may exhibit behavioural changes to minimise potentially negative impacts (Hunninck et al, 2017;Nyahongo, 2008;Tingvold et al, 2013).…”