Road infrastructure development and biodiversity conservation are essential for sustainable development. However, many developing countries struggle to balance them. This study examines the impact of road construction in 24 African countries and evaluates strategies for achieving sustainability. Using a case study approach, road construction variables from individual country reports (2024) were quantitatively analyzed alongside Red List Index (RLI) scores from the Yale University's 2024 Environmental Performance Index Report. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were applied to assess the relationship between road development and biodiversity conservation to provide insights into effective mitigation strategies. Results indicate that in 2024, the average RLI score for the 24 African countries was 64.74, with a 10-year mean decline of -2.85. On average, 17,162.21 ha of biodiversity habitats were cleared for road construction, emphasizing the vulnerability of biodiversity. Burkina Faso (95.4), Mali (92.9), and Botswana (92.2) exhibited strong biodiversity health, whereas Kenya (24.9), South Africa (24.4), Uganda (15.7), and Tanzania (0) faced critical challenges. Wildlife crossing was the most significant predictor in lower-income economies (R² = 0.49, p < 0.0001), traffic volume in lower-middle income economies (R² = 0.35, p = 0.0007), and road width in upper-middle income economies (R² = 0.83, p = 0.0054). Habitat clearance exhibited a weak correlation. These findings highlight the crucial role of road construction variables—particularly wildlife crossings, road width, and traffic volume—in biodiversity conservation across income groups. Targeted road planning is required to mitigate biodiversity loss. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on the impact of infrastructure on conservation, policy guidance, and mitigation efforts in developing countries.

ABSTRACT
Introductuon
ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT,BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ANDSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
    Theoretical background
    Empirical reviews
    Road infrastructure development and biodiversityconservation in Africa
MATERIALS AND METHODS
    Case study area: 24 African countries
    Data collection
    Data analysis
RESULTS
    Descriptive statistics
    The effect of road infrastructure construction onbiodiversity conservation
    Regression analysis results for lower incomeeconomies
    Regression analysis results for lower middleincomeeconomies
    Regression analysis results for upper middleincomeeconomies
    Regression analysis results for high-incomeeconomies
CONCLUSION AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
REFERENCES

• Sylvester Ngome Chisika(Researcher, Master’s Degree, International School of Urban Sciences, University of Seoul) | 치시카 실베스터
• Chunho Yeom(Professor, PhD, International School of Urban Sciences, University of Seoul) | 염춘호 Corresponding author