Wildlife experts raise alarm over rising roadkills in Pune's Maval during monsoon

A mammal was killed as speeding vehicles pass through forested areas. Pics/Jigar Solanki

As thousands of tourists head to the Western Ghats during the monsoon, wildlife experts have raised concerns over a sharp rise in roadkills across the ecologically sensitive Maval region of Pune district.

While snakes are among the worst-affected species, conservationists say mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles are also being killed in increasing numbers as speeding vehicles pass through forested areas.

On July 13, wildlife enthusiasts documented the deaths of 28 non-venomous Shieldtail (Khaparkhawalya) snakes along a 100-metre stretch between Auxilium Convent School and Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Udyan in Lonavala's Raywood area.

A dangerous stretch

For several years, Wildlife Enthusiasts Ganesh Phalke, Jigar Solanki, Rounak Khare and others have been documenting roadkill incidents in Maval. Their observations indicate that thousands of snakes belonging to 19 of the 43 species found in the region have died in road accidents.

A snake was found crushed by vehicles

The affected species include the Indian rock python, Russell's viper, Cobra, Rat snake, Shieldtail, Vine snake and Cat snake. Researchers have recorded roadkills involving hyenas, leopards, rusty-spotted cats, foxes, wild cats, civets, rabbits, barking deer and sambar, besides birds such as peacocks and owls.

Surge in traffic

The increased vehicular movement through wildlife habitats has become a major threat to animals that frequently cross roads in search of food, shelter or mates, particularly during the evening, night and early morning.

‘Drive responsibly'

A dead bird lies on the ground

Nilesh Garade, founder of Wildlife Rescuer of Maval, described the situation as "extremely alarming" and appealed to motorists to drive responsibly while passing through wildlife habitats. He urged people to immediately inform wildlife rescuers or the forest department if they encounter an injured wild animal on the road.

Expert Speak

"Raywood Park and its surrounding areas are the natural habitats of many wild animals. During the monsoon and at night, asphalt roads retain warmth, attracting snakes and other reptiles to rest on them, while rabbits, civets, and birds use these routes to forage or cross. I appeal to all motorists to reduce speed and allow it to cross safely instead of running it over," said Naturalist Ganesh Phalke.

"The monsoon is the breeding season for many of these species. The death of such a large number of animals in a single night is equivalent to wiping out an entire future generation. Scientifically, these animals are vital to the food chain," Wildlife Researcher Jigar Solanki. Solanki added that expanding road networks have fragmented wildlife habitats, forcing animals to cross roads more frequently.

"While enjoying tourism, every driver must remember that we are entering the homes of these wild animals. Wildlife conservation is not limited to protecting tigers and leopards. Every species, big or small, plays a role in maintaining nature's balance," he said.