The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Central Region encompasses a vast array of landscapes and biodiversity; this region plays a critical role in maintaining wildlife connectivity in California due to its central location, network of protected and conserved areas, varied geography with a multitude of microclimates, numerous species of special concern, and landscape linkages connecting more isolated Coastal habitats to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In 2024 we updated the CDFW priority wildlife connectivity barriers dataset by making modifications to existing barriers (N=5) and adding new barrier segments for the Central Region (N=7). For this new wildlife barrier assessment and prioritization, we considered wildlife movement and migration data, wildlife-vehicle collision data, landscape connectivity models, and designated critical habitats for threatened and endangered species, along with input from partners such as non-governmental organizations and the California Department of Transportation. Our updated dataset of priority wildlife connectivity barriers for the Central Region included 27 barrier segments totaling 997 km. In this talk, we will highlight the top 10 highest priority barriers for the Central Region and discuss some of the road ecology projects (e.g., SR58, US101) and active multidisciplinary working groups promoting ecological connectivity and conserving landscape linkages in central California.

Dr. Michael Sawaya is a wildlife connectivity specialist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in the Central Region. Mike earned his Ph.D. in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University in 2012. Mike's doctoral work with the Western Transportation Institute focused on evaluating genetic monitoring methods for mountain lions in Yellowstone National Park and assessing the effectiveness of wildlife crossing structures for grizzly and black bear populations in Banff National Park. Through his research, Mike seeks to understand how wildlife populations respond to transportation infrastructure and to advance connectivity science for more effective conservation and management.