A description and analysis of wildlife mortality on transportation corridors in Jasper National Park, Canada

Wildlife collisions with vehicles and trains are examined in Jasper National Park, Alberta. There are a variety of variables that influence collision rates ranging from age class, sex, type of wildlife, vehicle volumes, vehicle type, season, time of day and transportation category. From 1980 to 1999, collisions with wildlife averaged 149 large animals per year. For some species these collision rates are both statistically and biological significant. In addition, collisions on highways and the railway affect both local and regional wildlife populations. Using collision data as indicator of wildlife composition adjacent to transportation corridors shows changes have occurred in the wildlife composition adjacent to transportation corridors.; This thesis also includes an assessment of reduced speed zones. Reduced speed zones reduced the rate of collisions with elk and other wildlife but had a negligible affect on reducing bighorn sheep collisions. A brief description of mitigation measures that have been used in Jasper National Park is also provided including suggestions on improved mitigations.