Guiding transportation planning by mapping wildlife crossings, closing connectivity gaps, and reducing wildlife vehicle collisions statewide

Florida Statewide Wildlife Crossings Data Management

For wide-ranging and endangered species like the Florida panther, Florida black bear, and Key deer, roads can fragment habitat, disrupt movement, and increase the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Recognizing this challenge, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) launched the Statewide Wildlife Crossings Data Management initiative to inventory existing wildlife crossing structures and guide future transportation planning and policy. They reached out to our team to help.

We designed and implemented a comprehensive, statewide wildlife crossing inventory resulting in a centralized geographic information system (GIS) based wildlife crossing database and associated GIS data layer. We worked closely with FDOT personnel to identify and characterize crossings. The database captures detailed information such as crossing type, dimensions, target species, monitoring data, and maintenance needs.

Building on this inventory, we developed a GIS reporting tool that helps planners evaluate transportation corridors for wildlife crossing suitability. By integrating spatial data, the tool helps identify locations where crossings can deliver the greatest benefit. Directly integrated into FDOT’s Environmental Screening Tool (EST), it allows transportation planners and environmental professionals to see existing crossings and identify connectivity gaps.

The wildlife crossing data are publicly available via the interactive FDOT Wildlife Crossings map, which shows the locations of existing and planned wildlife crossings across the state. We also developed the Road Map to Wildlife Connectivity, a handbook that provides guidance on when to consider wildlife crossings and how to navigate project planning, design, construction, and maintenance.

Together, these tools help FDOT identify connectivity gaps, empower staff with effective planning tools, and reduce wildlife‑vehicle collisions, improving ecological connectivity and long‑term survival of Florida’s most iconic species.