The Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development of San Juan issued a clear message during the peak season of heavy traffic on provincial roads: reduce speed and be alert to the presence of wildlife. These simple actions can make a significant difference in protecting animals and preventing road accidents.
Tourist and productive traffic increases the risk of run-overs, as many species cross roads in search of food, shelter, or during their natural movements. Reducing speed not only allows timely reactions but also decreases the severity of impacts.
The Provincial Map of Roadkill Fauna
The Secretariat emphasized the importance of recording cases of roadkill fauna through the provincial system. This tool allows for precise information gathering about the most affected areas and forms the basis for the creation of the first Provincial Map of Roadkill Fauna, an unprecedented initiative in San Juan.
The goal is to identify critical points and plan mitigation measures such as:
- Specific signage in high-risk sections.
- Installation of wildlife crossings to facilitate safe animal crossings.
- Actions for citizen awareness to promote responsible driving.
Citizen participation: every report counts
The registration of roadkill animals can be done easily and directly contributes to the conservation of San Juan’s biodiversity. Each citizen report adds valuable information for decision-making and the design of public policies aimed at reducing the impact of roads on wildlife.
The initiative seeks to involve the community in building a data system that allows for a better understanding of the interaction between traffic and biodiversity, thus designing effective solutions.
How to report wildlife roadkill
The campaign “Bajá un cambio San Juan” uses the Epicollect5 application to systematize information. The procedure is simple:
- Download the Epicollect5 application
- Available on Google Play (Android) and App Store (iOS).
- Add Project
- Search for the campaign name: “Bajá un cambio San Juan”.
- Register the case
- Enter the project and tap the “Add entry” button.
- Complete the form with information about the roadkill incident.
- You can add photos and/or videos as evidence.
- Save and synchronize the data to be recorded in the system.
Biodiversity at risk
San Juan is home to a great diversity of wildlife that plays essential ecological roles: seed dispersal, pest control, and maintenance of ecosystems. The loss of specimens due to roadkill directly affects the environmental balance and the resilience of forests and grasslands.
The creation of the Provincial Map will allow for the identification of the most affected species and the design of specific strategies for their protection, integrating conservation with road planning.
The campaign “Bajá un cambio San Juan” is an example of how technology and citizen participation can contribute to biodiversity conservation. Reducing speed, being alert to wildlife, and reporting roadkill are concrete actions that help build a safer future for both people and animals.
