The Dutch Department of Public Works has commissioned the Netherlands Society for the Protection of Birds to advise on: (1) creating optimal bird conditions in road verges, and (2) reducing the number of road traffic bird victims. This report includes a literature study into the relationship between birds and roads, and bird victims in particular. Ringing recoveries of birds found dead in the Netherlands during 1961-1990, and 362 recently found road traffic victims among Barn Owls were analyzed. In the Netherlands, the annual fatality rate among birds caused by road traffic is estimated at least at two million birds. Road traffic is the most important unnatural cause of death among birds. Motorways account for more than half of all road traffic bird victims, although only five per cent of all roads are motorways. The majority of all road bird victims consists of common breeding species. The Barn Owl is one of the most vulnerable bird species. In order to reduce the number of road traffic bird victims, stretches of roads with lots of bird victims should be identified, and the most suitable measures should be taken to reduce bird deaths depending on local circumstances. It is also recommended that the design and management of motorway verges should be modified in order to reduce the number of road traffic victims among Barn Owls and other vole eating birds. Possible measures are suggested.
Samenvatting