Dispersal of animals and infrastructure : a model study#summary

A model study is described into the effects of roads on the dispersal of animals. Dispersal refers to the movement of mainly young animals to new habitats. Roads can be a barrier in this process. With the assistance of simulation models, various factors relating to the road as a barrier are examined. The study focusses on: 1) the road as an obstacle to dispersal (barrier effect); 2) deaths among animals trying to cross the road (risk factor). The models are used to establish the relationship between barrier effects and deaths. Specific models that are used, are the mouse model, the squirrel model, and the badger model.