Study

Final report: Testing the effectiveness of turtle crossing signs as a conservation measure

  • Published source details Johnson G. (2012) Final report: Testing the effectiveness of turtle crossing signs as a conservation measure. SUNY Potsdam report, for St. Lawrence River Research and Educational Fund, New York Power Authority, New York, USA.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use signage to warn motorists about wildlife presence

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Use signage to warn motorists about wildlife presence

    A replicated, controlled, before-and-after study in 2008–2010 on 18 roads through swamps and wetlands in New York, USA (Johnson 2012) found that road signs did not decrease painted Chrysemys picta and Blanding’s Emydoidea blandingii turtle road mortality. The percentage of turtles encountered that were dead was similar on roads with signs (2009: 49 of 72, 68%; 2010: 20 of 31, 65%) and roads without signs (2008: 40 of 71, 56%; 2009: 28 of 53, 53%; 2010: 16 of 28, 57%). Road signs warning drivers of turtles were installed during the nesting season (1 June–1 July) on five roads in 2009 and nine roads in 2010. Driving (daily) and walking (100 m transect, 1–2 times/week) surveys were conducted to count the number of turtles encountered (dead and alive) before signs were installed in 2008 (9 roads) and after signs were installed in 2009 (Signs: 5 roads; no signs: 5 roads) and 2010 (Signs: 9 roads; no signs: 9 roads). Dead animals were removed to prevent double counting. Results from 2010 include only driving surveys.

    (Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust