South section - Jan 4, 2024 - Low numbers continue
Robin and Terri
Thursday, 9:00 - 11:35 AM, 38 dead adult newts, no live ones, no juveniles
Weather: 51-58 °F, sunny, no wind
Coverage: Aldercroft Heights junction to the second stop sign
Other roadkill: None
Other still alive: 2 Lepidoptera
Traffic - 20 cars, 22 trucks, 6 cyclists, 2 runners moving impressively fast
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This is very alarming. Are we witnessing the collapse of the population?
The road crews were out before us again, scraping the roadway and shoulder. I wonder if that action scrapes away some of the roadkill remains?
@teellbee, I'm sure the road crew scraped away some of the carcasses. There's no way to tell how many. Thanks for letting us know. It may explain the low roadkill count on this day.
The road crews were also scraping last time I went out with Merav; I think on 12/27/23 (also, a relatively low count that day).
Another reason for low numbers might be the nighttime low temperatures. When it gets below 40 degrees F, the migration slows as the newts take cover.
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