Occurrence Records of Endangered Wildlife Species from Road Construction Projects

This study analyzed the occurrence of endangered wildlife species using environmental impact assessment (EIA) and post-EIA survey reports from road construction projects in South Korea. Between 2010 and 2022, 29 road construction projects were selected in which more than five endangered species were recorded during EIAs and post-construction monitoring had been conducted. In total, 257 reports, including EIA and post- EIA monitoring reports, were reviewed. Across these projects, 47 endangered species were identified, with 1,848 occurrence records. Mammals (1,212 records) and birds (550 records) accounted for over 95% of all records, whereas fish (67 records), amphibians and reptiles (12 records), plants (six records), and insects (one record) were much less frequently observed. Indirect detections, particularly scat (1,042 records), were the most common survey method, while birds were primarily confirmed through direct observation (550 records). By project phase, most occurrences were recorded during construction (917 records), followed by operation (559 records) and pre-construction (372 records). The database developed in this study provides quantitative insights into species occurrence across different project phases, offering a basis for evaluating discrepancies between predicted and actual impacts in EIAs. Moreover, long-term speciesand taxon-level records can support tracking of population trends and contribute to conservation strategies and improvements in the EIA system.