KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's wildlife population would decline if new roads are built across key habitat areas without proper research, said University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) in recently-concluded research.

       In the study, UCSF said that endangered species such as elephants, pangolins, clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, slow loris and banteng were sighted along the samples of roads in areas with the presence of wildlife.

       It added that endangered species in these areas would be at risk of being killed by traffic, saying that human lives may be at stake if large animals such as elephants and banteng are involved in the collisions - especially in the Kinabatangan and Kalabakan areas.

       "If more roads are constructed in or around forested areas without careful consideration for wildlife ecology, the problem could be aggravated," said UCSF.

       The UCSF study was carried out at five key new road stretches under the Pan Borneo Highway to understand its possible affect on wildlife in the areas.

       The traffic corridors examined were Sindumin–Papar–Tuaran, Kota Belud–Kota Marudu–Kudat, Tamparuli–Telupid–Sandakan, Kinabatangan–Lahad Datu–Tawau and Tawau–Kalabakan–Keningau–Kimanis under the current Pan-Borneo Highway project plans.

       Some of the largest natural habitats along the Pan Borneo Highway are in Kinabatangan and Kalabakan,which are integral to the Heart of Borneo.

       The study which was the first state-wide roadkill study in Sabah recorded a total of 21 mammals, 10 birds and five reptile species identified as victims or potential victims of roadkill incidents.

       On this, UCSF called for the application of wildlife signage, overpasses, underpasses and for canopy bridges to be explored.

       However, UCSF added that more study is needed to conclusively determine which types of crossings are suitable for wildlife in Sabah.

       Meanwhile, UCSF researcher Regina Justinus said that researchers found nocturnal animals were likely killed at night and suggested that appropriate wildlife warning signs and speed bumps be installed.

       "Educational signage should also be installed to warn drivers and passengers not to discard food waste along the roads," she added.

       Similarly, project supervisor Lawrence Alan Bansa said good roads are urgently needed to drive socio-economic growth in Sabah.

       He, however, added that careful planning and road design is needed in regions which host high levels of biodiversity.