Mammals and roads: Joseph Grinnell's 1920 observation, modern threats and solutions, and a call to mammalogists for more and better research.

The article discusses the issue of road mortality and its impact on wildlife. It begins with the observation made by zoologist Joseph Grinnell in 1920 about the increasing number of animals killed by automobiles. The article highlights the wide range of mammal species affected by roadkill, including endangered species such as ocelots, panthers, and cheetahs. It also discusses the negative effects of roads on animal movements and habitat fragmentation. The article emphasizes the importance of wildlife crossings as a solution to mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions and restore habitat connectivity. It mentions the effectiveness of these crossings in reducing collisions and enhancing driver safety. However, it also acknowledges the need for further research to improve the design and effectiveness of wildlife crossings. The article concludes by highlighting the opportunity for mammalogists to contribute to the development of wildlife crossings and shape the future of infrastructure to protect wildlife. [Extracted from the article]