Laurel Serieys

Laurel Serieys

Jun 06, 2016

Group 6 Copy 105
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Road kill hotspots match road crossing hotspots

One of the goals of our study has been to assess threats to caracal survival in the urban environment. Not surprising, roads and vehicle collision have been the most important source of mortality that we've documented. Interestingly, more than 90% of roadkill are young males! This is consistent with our movement data that show that males are pushed to the marginal edge habitat.

The value of picking up roadkill cannot be emphasized enough. From these animals, we are able to collect key samples that we use for genetic analysis and pesticide testing! Please, if you see roadkill, immediately call Dr. Laurel Serieys  at 079-837-8814!  Thanks for the support!


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About This Project

As global urbanization rapidly expands, wildlife species are increasingly endangered by human activities. We are assessing how the stressors of city life (disease, habitat loss, roads, and pesticides) are affecting caracals (Caracal caracal) in and around Cape Town, South Africa. We are conducting behavioral and genetic assessments and documenting frequent sources of mortality. We are also capitalizing on unique educational opportunities that are affecting conservation across the region.

Blast off!

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