Roadkill data reveal new distribution records and possible range shifts for neotropical mammals

Abstract Roads are expanding rapidly across biodiverse regions, including global biodiversity hotspots such as the Tropical Andes and the Chocó/Darién. While roads improve connectivity for human populations, they also lead to significant biodiversity loss through habitat fragmentation, wildlife mortality, and population declines. In this study, we update the distribution ranges of eight mammal species by analyzing a comprehensive dataset of 1,326 georeferenced mammal roadkill records compiled through our citizen science initiative REMFA. We identified eight species with new or uncommon distribution records. Six species: Dasyprocta fuliginosa , Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris , Myoprocta pratti , Tamandua tetradactyla , Didelphis marsupialis , and Didelphis pernigra , were recorded at elevations outside their known ranges, representing shifts of up to 1,521 m. Additionally, although our records of Leopardus garleppi and Neogale frenata do not constitute new distributional records, they document occurrences well beyond the species’ historically common ranges in the country, providing further evidence of possible recent range expansions. These findings may reflect either the presence of previously undetected populations or recent range shifts potentially driven by anthropic pressures. Our results highlight the value of roadkill data for biodiversity studies and underscore the need to integrate road ecology into conservation planning. Roadkill observations not only reflect threats to wildlife but can also serve as early indicators of broader ecological changes.