The Need to Improve and Integrate Science and Environmental Licensing to Mitigate Wildlife Mortality on Roads in Brazil

The ongoing expansion of the transportation network is one of the most important threats to tropical ecosystems. In recent years, the Brazilian government is making huge investments in paving and upgrading of the existing road network. It is therefore crucial time to consider how to achieve mitigation of two main road impacts: wildlife mortality and isolation. We discuss the improvement of road ecology research and environmental impact assessments, and recommend the integration of both as a way to achieve effective mitigation. Research oriented toward practical needs is likely to increase use of road ecology in decisions about the impacts of roads and traffic, including the environmental licensing of roads. Well-planned, focused assessments can effectively influence road planning. However, merely improving environmental assessments and research will not be enough to make environmental licensing more effective: there is a need for integration among professions involved in road construction, biodiversity management and conservation for better regulations and enforcement.