Roadkill: meaning, definitions and examples
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roadkill
[ ˈroʊdˌkɪl ]
animal deaths
Roadkill refers to animals that have been struck and killed by vehicles on roadways. This can include a wide range of creatures, from small mammals and birds to larger animals such as deer and cattle. The term highlights not only the unfortunate deaths of animals but also raises awareness about the impact of road traffic on wildlife. In some areas, roadkill is commonly seen and may be removed by local authorities or carcass disposal teams. The phenomenon has implications for wildlife populations, ecology, and even human safety.
Synonyms
animal casualty, vehicle collision, wildlife death
Examples of usage
- I saw a deer roadkill on my way to work.
- The environmentalist noted that roadkill can disrupt local ecosystems.
- Drivers need to be cautious to avoid roadkill incidents.
- In some regions, roadkill is collected for animal food production.
Translations
Translations of the word "roadkill" in other languages:
🇵🇹 animal atropelado
🇮🇳 सड़क पर मरा हुआ जानवर
🇩🇪 Wildunfall
🇮🇩 hewan yang terlindas
🇺🇦 дорожній загиблий
🇵🇱 martwe zwierzę na drodze
🇯🇵 道路で死んだ動物
🇫🇷 animal écrasé
🇪🇸 animal atropellado
🇹🇷 yolda ölü hayvan
🇰🇷 도로에서 죽은 동물
🇸🇦 حيوان ميت على الطريق
🇨🇿 zabitá zvířata na silnici
🇸🇰 zabitá zver na ceste
🇨🇳 路上的死动物
🇸🇮 ubito žival na cesti
🇮🇸 dýra sem hefur verið ekið á
🇰🇿 жолда өлген жануар
🇬🇪 გზაზე მოკლული ცხოველი
🇦🇿 yolda ölən heyvan
🇲🇽 animal atropellado
Etymology
The word 'roadkill' is formed from the combination of 'road' and 'kill'. The term began to appear in usage during the mid-20th century, particularly in the context of increasing vehicle traffic and its effects on wildlife. As automobiles became more prevalent, the negative consequences for animals living near roads were observed and documented. This led to greater awareness and discussion about the impact of roads on animal populations. In the past, terms like 'animal casualty' were used, but 'roadkill' became a more colloquial and widely recognized way to denote the phenomenon. The rise of conservation movements in the 1980s and 1990s further popularized discussions around roadkill, prompting studies on how to reduce these incidents through wildlife crossings and better roadway planning. Today, 'roadkill' not only serves as a descriptor for the deaths of animals but also raises critical awareness about the interplay between human transportation and wildlife preservation.