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.

I recommended this book for a broad range of ecologists, road engineers, and anyone who cares about ecological problems of roads and cars and need to drive a car.

In this well-written, engaging book, Jones discusses the dangers that road-based transportation systems pose to biodiversity around the world, particularly in Australasia, Europe, and North America. This book will be an engaging read for general readers, and the references and notes provide helpful information for students and researchers who wish to dive more deeply into the foundational research.

Michelle Nijhuis, author of Beloved Beasts:

Road ecologists are doing some of the most innovative work in conservation today, and Jones describes their efforts with clarity, nuance, and humor. A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road is a genuinely heartening book.

Kevin J. Gaston, University of Exeter:

Road ecology is an urgent yet often overlooked topic in anthropogenic threats to the environment. Jones's book is a bold, necessary attempt to create public awareness around the dangers roads pose to wildlife. A timely, accessible, and eye-opening read.

Marcel Huijser, author of Safe Passages:

A book I read word by word. Darryl Jones makes the science on the ecological costs of roads, and ways to reduce this damage, understandable and relatable. Anyone interested in imagining better ways for humans and wildlife to coexist should pick up this book.