Influence of lunar phases on the incidence of animal crashes on roads in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo

• Grant number: 21/02882-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2021
• End date: July 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Fabiano Antonio Cadioli
• Grantee: Luísa Husz Toledo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMVA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The use of the road system is fundamental to the country's economic development. However, the high incidence of animal death on highways causes damage to Brazilian fauna. In this way, animal populations' characterization with access to roads plays an essential role in the strategies for protecting and conserving Brazilian fauna. Abiotic factors, such as the lunar phases, can influence animals' behavior and physiology, potentially contributing to the dynamics of animals' incidence being hit on the highways. The present work will seek to evaluate, through the application of statistical analysis and georeferencing techniques, the lunar cycle's influence on the incidence of animals being run over in northwest State São Paulo. Special attention will be paid to micro-regions' visualization with many animals killed by vehicle collisions. It is hoped that this research can contribute with relevant information for the elaboration of strategies to mitigate the running over of wild animals. (AU)