Wildlife Crossings and Barriers Talk with Professor Scott Jackson Register

Date and Time:
Thu, Jan 8, 2026; 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Massachusetts Chapter

Location: Virtual

Curious about wildlife and road interactions? Join us for a talk from UMASS Amherst Professor Scott Jackson!

Wildlife mortality caused by vehicle collisions is an important factor affecting the persistence of wildlife populations, but the impact of transportation infrastructure includes other elements that negatively affect wildlife populations. These include habitat loss and degradation, as well as the barrier effects of roads, highways, and railroads. To the extent that road mortality and the loss of connectivity affect demographic rates and characteristics, they can affect population growth rates, and force populations into steep or gradual declines. As our natural areas have been increasingly fragmented by extensive road networks, residential, commercial, and industrial development and associated infrastructure, maintaining or enhancing connections among natural areas is now seen as essential for protecting the long-term viability of wildlife populations and the ecological integrity of ecosystems. To protect biodiversity for future generations, we must assess the connections among our natural areas, design strategies to protect existing connectivity, and mitigate barriers to species movement.

: Vickerman, Roger (eds.) International Encyclopedia of Transportation vol 7. pp. 297-304. United Kingdom: Elsevier Ltd.

Scott Jackson's bio and current work are described here.


A road surrounded by trees on Wachusett Mountain