About This Project

Wildlife deaths due to vehicular collisions are a global concern. Physical barriers to reduce speeding are not always possible in conservation areas, so a rapid and reliable speed enforcement system is essential when speed bumps and fences cannot be used. Some vehicles travel at twice the posted speed limit in the KAZA study area: endangering wildlife and community members. This project to monitor and reduce speeding is the first step in deploying a larger regional and intercountry wide system.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Vehicular collisions cause death and injury to humans and wildlife. This is particularly concerning in conservation areas where large carnivores and herbivores, such as lions and elephants, roam freely. Speeding vehicles impose additional dangers, so rapid and reliable enforcement is essential. Cost and access to technology can be prohibitive, and this pilot project will provide a simple system that allows law enforcement and wildlife agencies to monitor speeding vehicles in areas with high rates of wildlife deaths. In addition to monitoring speed, this system will also allow law enforcement to detect vehicles that may be engaged in illegal activities such as wood harvesting and wildlife poaching, benefiting conservation and the local communities in multiple ways.

What is the significance of this project?

This important pilot study is the first step to a larger project that has implications for the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), which extends across five countries. KAZA contains a rich diversity of ecosystems, landscapes, and wildlife. Unfortunately, hundreds of vertebrates are killed annually on the roadways. One example of how detrimental speeding is to wildlife is the local painted dog population. Many adults, subadults, and pups are killed by vehicles, crippling the ability of packs to survive in this area. A simple system such as the one proposed here can be quickly implemented and expanded as needed. This would allow for high risk areas to be monitored, speed limits enforced, and ultimately, a reduction in illegal activities and wildlife deaths.

What are the goals of the project?

The database has been designed, and once the equipment is ready, law enforcement officers will be trained on the system. One officer will be stationed at each of the designated start and stop points, and each will maintain a tablet for data collection. Speed will be instantly calculated, allowing officers to issue warnings and speeding tickets to drivers. In addition to officers interacting with drivers, a community campaign offering additional information about local wildlife, roadways, and speeding will be offered. This may include signs, posters, informal gatherings, etc. Data will be used to reduce speeding and wildlife deaths, but can also provide additional beneficial information including traffic volume and average speeds over various time periods such as high/low tourist seasons.