Roads are a common cause of death for wildlife species. The Adventure Scientists Wildlife Connectivity Study recruits cyclists and runners to record roadkill observations in an effort to research and reduce animal-vehicle collisions.

Data That Drives Change​

This project aims to bring together ecology researchers and transportation policy makers to improve transportation systems based on an understanding of how roads affect natural landscapes.

The sightings recorded by our trained volunteers provide data on several topics of interest to researchers:
  • Which species are affected, and when
  • Wildlife travel patterns 
  • Whether roadkill "hotspots" exist, and if so, where
  • How to reduce vehicle-caused animal deaths

The data will be used to inform decisions on the construction and location of safe wildlife crossing structures such as overpasses and underpasses.
Strategic installation of mitigation measures such as overpasses and culverts has been shown to prevent up to 85% of collisions where implemented.

Where Our Volunteers Are Active

This map shows where Adventure Scientists volunteers have recorded roadkill sightings. Click each point for details of the observation.

What to Expect as a Volunteer

Cycling, walking, or running? We need you! 

Volunteers use smartphones to photograph and mark GPS locations of roadkill observations during human-powered exploration of roads through any landscape. After submitting an application to participate, a volunteer must learn the recording protocols and demonstrate knowledge of them by passing an online quiz.

In the News