Spatial modeling of road collisions of striped hyena (<i>Hyaena hyaena</i>) in Israel

The striped hyena is an enigmatic species that little studied. It mainly found in semiarid and arid regions described as elusive, cryptic, nocturnal, solitary. global distribution disjunct, the suffers from human persecution. However, specific communities consider them to be commensals. Owing their scavenging behavior, hyenas are disproportionately involved vehicular-wildlife incidents, most of which fatal. By combining data collected by Scientific Data Department Israel Nature Parks Authority with information remote sensing imaging, we illustrate hyena, identify critical habitats they occur, zones highest conflicts whole West Bank. scale mortality (44.3/year) suggests populations much higher than previous estimates. We more carcasses on road/highway networks urban areas natural surroundings. Our results should help focus efforts mitigate wildlife road kills implementing conservation measures inter-city highways, a stress mortality.