Landscape approaches for risk mitigation from wildlife: The case of wild boar road accidents in Avellino Province, Southern Italy

Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) are an increasing concern at the intersection of biodiversity conservation and public safety. Among the species most frequently involved, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) has shown a notable rise in road-related incidents across Europe. This study adopts a landscape-based approach to examine the spatial dynamics of wild boar collisions in the Province of Avellino, Southern Italy. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, roadkill data collected over several years were geolocated and analyzed in relation to environmental and anthropogenic variables, including protected areas, the hydrographic network, road infrastructure, and land use patterns (Corine Land Cover 2018). Results reveal two main hotspots: the Guardia Lombardi–Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi–Conza corridor, overlapping with protected natural areas and regional roads; and the Avellino Nord–Pratola Serra axis, corresponding to a high-traffic inter-provincial route. A strong spatial correlation with river systems and fragmented landscapes—especially mosaics of forest, farmland, and transitional cover—was also observed. These findings highlight the need to integrate spatial planning, ecological connectivity, and road safety measures in mitigation strategies. The study contributes to the development of GIS-based methodologies for wildlife management and offers practical insights for regional planning and conservation policy.