BIDDEFORD — Maine Audubon seeks volunteers to survey roads in southern Maine for signs of endangered species road crossings. Information collected by volunteers about where, when and how many animals cross roads is the critical first step in identifying ways to reduce wildlife road deaths.

Unless changes are made, Maine Audubon biologists report that Blanding’s turtles, like those in the Blandings Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Biddeford, and spotted turtles are likely to become extinct in Maine due to being struck by vehicles when crossing roads.

Maine Audubon’s Endangered Species Road Watch program began in 2012; 40 volunteers surveyed 22 routes throughout southern Maine. The organization’s goal is to have at least two volunteers per route this coming season.

“We know there are areas in southern Maine where endangered species are severely impacted because of roads,” said Doug Hitchcox, Maine Audubon staff naturalist. “That’s the goal of this program ”“ to identify those areas and figure out what can be done to improve the conditions for Maine wildlife and Maine drivers. We can’t do it without our team of trained citizen scientists.”

Roads can have a major impact on endangered species by impeding movement and separating populations, as well as killing individuals from collisions. Biologists with Maine Audubon and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife will use the information gathered by volunteers to work with town planners and the Maine Department of Transportation to reduce road risks to rare wildlife and improve conditions for drivers. Other endangered species of interest in the study include the black racer snake and the New England cottontail rabbit.

A volunteer training workshop will be held on Sunday, April 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells.

To learn more about the Endangered Species Road Watch or to reserve a space for the training workshop, contact Doug Hitchcox at Maine Audubon at 781-2330, ext. 237 or dhitchcox@maineaudubon.org.