Apart from seeing an occasional road kill, I had no idea that roads had such diverse and devastating effects on wildlife. It seems to me that many species of animals cannot, or will not, tolerate the presence of humans. For example, we have all noticed that birds fly away when we approach. I am fond of saying that it is almost impossible to destroy the environment without roads, and I have long thought that roads were the beginning of nearly all environmental damage. But a couple of months ago it occurred to me that that isn't true.
Mapping is the precursor to all other human activities.
In other words, I think that along with setting aside areas for the exclusive use of wildlife, we should also de-map those areas. As long as the area exists on a map, some people will be tempted to exploit the area. Ironically, maps are one of my favorite things. I always carry lots of maps, they are the first souvenirs of any trip I take, and they are one of my most important sources of information. I think they are beautiful, and I love the economical way they impart information.