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475379 
Journal Article 
Fragmentation impacts caused by roads through rainforests 
Goosem, M 
2007 
Yes 
Current Science
ISSN: 0011-3891
EISSN: 0011-3905 
93 
11 
1587-1595 
English 
Fragmentation is a severe threat to tropical rainforests. However the habitat loss and less extensive fragmentation caused by roads can also be a threat, not only through allowing access to remote areas, but also through a suite of insidious associated impacts. These include abiotic and biotic edge effects adjacent to road clearings, the disturbance impacts caused by vehicle operation, invasions by weeds, feral and alien fauna and disease, and faunal mortality from vehicle collisions. In combination, these can create a significant barrier to movements of rainforest biota. Impacts can be ameliorated through clever road design and sustainable vehicle operation. 
edge effects; disturbance; fragmentation; rainforest; road; small mammals; lead concentrations; central amazonia; acute toxicity; conservation; communities; mortality; birds; deforestation; environment