Insects, Snails and Spiders

Animals that lack a backbone are called invertebrates, and they account for 95-99% of the animal species on earth. Invertebrates are important components of ecosystems and play key roles in the functioning of all ecosystems, such as pollination, decomposition and nutrient cycling. Many species are subject to mortality due to wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) and are negatively affected by traffic pollution and habitat fragmentation. However, roadside vegetation in otherwise cleared or modified landscapes provides important habitats and corridors for some species. 1 Invertebrates are critical to the healthy functioning of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity. 2 Mortality rates due to traffic or artificial lighting can be very high. 3 Traffic-related pollution leads to population declines and habitat degradation. 4 Barrier effects are a significant threat to the survival of flightless species. 5 Invertebrates should be included in environmental impact assessment, and using indicator groups is a practical yet comprehensive approach. 6 Mitigation measures for invertebrates are urgently needed, and although similar to those used for mammals, reptiles or amphibians they differ in important details. 7 Invertebrates benefit indirectly from effective mitigation for vertebrates because of the ecosystem function these larger species perform. 8 Sympathetic management of roadside habitats can help the survival of some threatened species of invertebrates. Invertebrates are critical to the survival of life on earth. Greater consideration of invertebrates in the planning, design, construction and operation of roads is urgently required, including their specific inclusion in environmental impact assessments and mitigation.