In Overijssel, there are still too many traffic collisions with roe deer. A student team from DesignLab is helping the province prevent collisions in the future and has, after data research, put a number of recommendations on paper.
Roe deer in Overijssel
It is estimated that about 10,000 roe deer live in Overijssel and this population is gradually growing. The number of traffic collisions is also increasing, particularly at a number of specific locations. Deer live in different landscapes throughout the region, crossing larger and smaller roads especially during sunset.
Research on fauna management
A team of students from DesignLab worked on a ten-week project to help the province of Overijssel better understand roe deer collisions and fauna management. They analysed a wide range of data from the province on land use, road use, wildlife depredation, agricultural crops, tree density and number of roe deer hit, with a number of conclusions and recommendations as the first outcome. Part of this is the advice to more actively warn motorists about crossing wildlife in the parts of Overijssel where most collisions occur (including Southwest Twente).
The students will be working on the results in more detail in the near future.
Working together for impact
This project was funded by the province of Overijssel and was carried out in close cooperation with the 'Faunabeheereenheid Overijssel'. The province is pleased with the initial results.
County researchers also want to repeat the students' data analysis next year to better understand the patterns the students have demonstrated. A student team previously investigated the reason for the many deer collisions in the province.
Assignments for students on social impact
Organisations seeking support in solving social problems can be helped in various ways from DesignLab. One of the methods is to work on a result-oriented and intensive assignment lasting from a minimum of six to a maximum of eighteen weeks, in which a transdisciplinary team of students with various educational backgrounds delivers concrete advice and solutions. In consultation with the client, these can be further developed in a follow-up project.
DesignLab connects society and research, in collaboration with internal and external partners. With responsible design, citizen science (citizen participation in research) and a transdisciplinary approach, insight is provided into the challenges we face as a society and how we can contribute to the solution or progress.
More information
Would you like to know more about this project? Or is there a social issue where we can be of service? Please contact Maya van den Berg, Programme Manager at DesignLab.