According to the organization’s latest report, 1,539 collisions with animals were recorded on roads managed by Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) in 2023 across the continent, down 28.3% from 2022.
Data collection on fauna mortality on Portuguese roads has been carried out since 2010 by the IP District Mobile Intervention and Support Units (UMIA).
As for the company’s 2023 report, the most recent, the information concerns approximately 13,830 kilometers of roads under IP’s direct management, most of which are national (EN) or regional (ER) roads.
In 2023, there were 1,539 pedestrian accidents recorded on the continent, approximately 28.3% less than the figure recorded in 2022 (2,147) and 37.7% less than the average for the period 2015-2022 (2,471.9).
Speaking to the Lusa agency, biologist Graça García, coordinator of the report, explained that “it is natural that these figures can fluctuate as a result of variables such as climate, food availability, epidemiological diseases, as well as changes in traffic levels.”
However, the person in charge emphasized that “in recent years, the IP has implemented a set of measures that have helped reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians.”
“The continuity of the Fauna Mortality Monitoring Programme allows us to assess the effectiveness of the measures implemented, and a reduction in the mortality of target species could already be seen at most of the intermediate sites, indicating that the objectives of the programme are being met,” he stressed.
According to the report, pets were one of the groups that recorded the highest number of deaths, with 488 cases, accounting for 32% of the total records in 2023.
In this group, cats had the highest road fatality rates because they “have an easier time climbing over existing highway fences.”
Regarding wild animals, the highest incidence was found in carnivorous mammals (70.6%), mainly foxes, followed by birds (23.5%) such as herons and nocturnal birds of prey.
Reptiles (3.3%) and amphibians (2.4%) were present in smaller quantities, which may be due to “their low detectability and high rate of degradation.”
As for large animals, the incidence rate has increased compared to the previous year: the deaths of four roe deer, nine deer and 63 wild boars were recorded.
The most problematic roads according to IP data were: Additional Route 1 (IC1), IC33 (Santiago do Cacem – Grândola), Estrada Nacional 4 (EN4, Montijo – Elvas), EN114 (Peniche – Évora), EN18 (Guarda – Hervidel), EN380 (Évora), IC8 (Pombal – Vila Velha de Rodão), EN260 (Beja – Vila Verde de Ficalho) and IC27 (Castro Marim – Alcoutim).
Improving existing fences and building roads where none exist, as well as constructing footpaths and landscaping are some of the measures IP has taken to reduce the number of animals being run over.
“It should also be noted that a solution has recently been implemented to alert drivers in real time to the presence of Iberian lynxes near the road via the Waze mobile application, in order to increase their attention and reduce the risk of being confused. more,” explained the report’s coordinator.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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