How Roads & Highways Affect Wildlife

This podcast episode explores the complex relationship between roads and wildlife, highlighting the negative impacts of roads on animals while also acknowledging some unexpected benefits. It discusses the concept of roadkill and its devastating effect on wildlife populations, as well as the evolutionary adaptation of certain species, such as cliff swallows, to survive amidst human infrastructure. The episode also delves into the challenges faced by wildlife, such as the impact of roads on monarch butterflies and the isolation of mountain lion populations by freeways. It showcases various solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of roads on wildlife, including wildlife underpasses and the creation of roadsides planted with native plants. The episode concludes with a discussion on innovative approaches to wildlife protection and the importance of citizen science initiatives. Additionally, it introduces C Pam Zhang's novel, Land of Milk and Honey, which offers a dystopian perspective on a world where plant and animal species have been diminished, emphasizing the themes of power, food, love, and life.