Integrating real-time bat conservation into road infrastructure development: monitoring and evidence-based mitigation

Culvert modification is a common component of road-widening projects. Although these structures are frequently used by wildlife as underpasses or roosting sites, the ecological impacts of their modification remain poorly evaluated. We assessed the effects of a road-widening project on the emergence patterns of the Cozumelan golden bat ( Mimon cozumelae ), a threatened Neotropical species roosting in a single pipe culvert located along the project route. We monitored the entire construction process and quantified changes in emergence patterns across ten distinct construction stages. During the most intensive construction phases, characterized by elevated noise levels, ground vibrations, and heavy machinery activity, emergence counts declined, whereas no comparable reductions were observed during stages characterized by lower disturbance. Throughout the construction process, fifteen real-time, evidence-based mitigation measures were implemented and refined through collaboration between authors and project authorities. These measures included restrictions on work schedules near the culvert, artificial light management, and reductions in noise and vibration. To our knowledge, this is the first study to document the effects of a road-widening project on a Neotropical bat colony while simultaneously implementing adaptive mitigation measures. The culvert functioned as a diurnal, mating, and maternity roost, harboring one of the largest known colonies of M. cozumelae in Mexico. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating ecological monitoring and adaptive management into infrastructure planning and demonstrate how these components can provide a transferable approach for reducing potential impacts of infrastructure development on biodiversity in human-modified landscapes.