Reptile demographics on paved roads in protected (Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park) and unprotected areas (Giba Rural Community) in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Anthropogenic change is a global threat to reptiles, and species face numerous threats, including habitat change, exploitation, and persecution. Much anthropogenic change is dependent on road networks, and reptiles are particularly susceptible to mortality related to the direct and indirect effects of roads on surrounding habitats. Our study aimed to determine the demographics and mortalities of reptiles on paved roads in protected and unprotected areas in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the adjacent rural community of Giba in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. We achieved this by observing live and dead individuals to determine reptilian species diversity, and abundance, mapping occupancy hotspot distributions and determining the effect of a suite of ecological factors on observed reptile presence. Our study included sections of paved roads along the R618 in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and the R22, which passes through iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the rural community of Giba. Presence data were collected during driven surveys at sunrise and sunset from March 2021 to March 2023. Total reptile numbers were not significantly different between protected and unprotected areas. However, the majority (78.3%) were found as road mortalities, with a significant difference between the number of live and dead individuals observed between protected and unprotected areas. Snakes comprised the majority (70.3%) of observed individuals. Reptile observation frequencies decreased with habitat degradation and the absence of water, while they increased with increases in vehicle density. Our study highlights the impact of roads in protected and unprotected areas on reptile species, and that mitigation is necessary for more effective conservation.