Linear infrastructure intrusions into natural ecosystems, such as motorways and high-speed railways,
causes direct loss of habitat but also impacts fauna through collisions. Wildlife road mortality is well
documented and extensive conservation legislation exists in many countries to minimise the negative
impact of these infrastructures. However, although these measures are implemented because of
legislation, these structures are often not adequately maintained. Here we present data on the
functionality of perimeter fences along two motorways in Malaga province (southern Spain) erected to
prevent collisions with the common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). We sampled the fences along
the 14 km of the two motorways included in the 17 1 × 1 km squares of the study area. Our results show
that the reptile fence is permeable throughout at those points where the metal sheeting was absent
and where the vegetation had overgrown around the fence, hence allowing chameleons to cross. Given
our results, we conclude that this situation is likely to be similar in other regions of Spain and in other
countries. This is because construction/concessionary companies do not consider the environmental
impact of construction projects in the medium and long term, and environmental authorities do not
ensure that companies comply with the legislation.
