A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road

A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road is an eye-opening introduction to the ecological impacts of roads. Drawing on over ten years of active engagement in the field of road ecology, Darryl Jones sheds light on the challenges roads pose to wildlife-and the solutions taken to address them. One of the most ubiquitous indicators of human activity, roads typically promise development and prosperity. Yet they carry with them the threat of disruption to both human and animal lives. Jones surveys the myriad, innovative ways stakeholders across the world have sought to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and minimize road-crossing risks for wildlife, including efforts undertaken at the famed fauna overpasses of Banff National Park, the Singapore Eco-Link, "tunnels of love" in the Australian Alps, and others. Along the way, he acquaints readers with concepts and research in road ecology, describing the field's origins and future directions. Engaging and accessible, A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road brings to the foreground an often-overlooked facet of humanity's footprint on earth.

Darryl Jones is Professor of Urban Ecology and Deputy Director of the Environmental Futures Research Institute at Griffith University. He is the author of The Birds at My Table. Follow him on X @MagpiejonesD.

Introduction: Waking the Sleeping Giant
Part I: Warning: Dangerous Road Ahead
1. Death, Dust, and Din: How Vehicles Harm
2. The Land Fragmented: Why Roadways Matter
Part II: Changed Road Conditions Ahead
3. Bridging the Gap
4. Know-How
Part III: Take Alternative Route
5. Working Together Works
6. Signs of Change
Conclusion: The Giant Is Awake