Jonathan's research focuses on the issue of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) and habitat fragmentation, and mitigation through wildlife exclusion fences and passages. WVCs pose a significant threat to biodiversity and a danger to human motorists. Wildlife fencing prevents animals’ access to roads and reduces road mortality significantly, while passages can maintain connectivity. However, fences that are too short can be rendered ineffective because of the fence-end effect, where collision locations are shifted towards the fence ends. Additionally, many passages are poorly implemented, and it is not clear how many are needed to maintain habitat connectivity.
Jonathan created an individual-based model to study processes related to the fence-end effect and predict the effectiveness of fences at preventing road crossings. The model can be parameterized for various species, and it generates a mathematical function that relates fence effectiveness to fence length. His research highlights the need to improve our understanding of animal-fence interaction behaviors to ensure fences are fulfilling their intended purpose. Combining fences with strategically placed passages is essential to mitigation efforts, and the model will be used to run simulations and determine optimal configurations. The research is pioneering a predictive approach that reduces reliance on costly and difficult post-mitigation studies.
Jonathan is studying in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment at Concordia University under the supervision of Dr. Jochen Jaeger. The working title of his thesis is A simulation tool to mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions and habitat fragmentation using wildlife exclusion fences and crossing structures.
You can reach Jonathan at jonathan.wilansky ATmail.concordia.ca.