A Survey of Vertebrate Road Mortality 1959

1.During 1959 regular counts were made of the number of vertebrates killed on a two mile stretch of arterial roadway in rural Northamptonshire.The survey area and its immediate surroundings are described.It was found convenient to divide the area into six sections based on the type of habitat offered by the adjoining vegetation.2. The normal traffic density averaged tot vehicles per hour, rising to 18o on normal weekends and to 244 during Bank Holidays.3. The methods of collection and disposal of victims are explained.4.During the year, 288 birds of 26 species and 295 other vertebrates of i6 species were killed.5. Weekly mortality rates of birds varied through the year from 24 during July to nil during December and January, and other vertebrates from 79 during March to nil during December and January.6.The effects of weather conditions and of other factors on casualty rates are discussed.