7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe
7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Banff National Park Overpass Canada Connects Grizzly Bear Habitats
Banff National Park in Canada has implemented a series of innovative wildlife crossings, including overpasses and underpasses, to facilitate safe passage for grizzly bears and other large mammals across the busy Trans-Canada Highway.
These crossings have been instrumental in reducing human-wildlife conflicts and maintaining genetic connectivity for the local ecosystem.
Over the past 20 years, the park's extensive monitoring program has recorded over 150,000 crossing events, demonstrating the effectiveness of this wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
Banff's wildlife crossings have become a global inspiration, with other regions around the world constructing similar bridges and overpasses to transform travel routes and protect local ecosystems.
The Banff National Park wildlife crossing overpass is a remarkable feat of engineering, measuring 50 meters in width, providing a safe passage for grizzly bears and other large mammals to traverse the busy Trans-Canada Highway.
Since the implementation of the wildlife crossing program in Banff National Park over 20 years ago, more than 150,000 crossing events by 11 species of large mammals have been recorded, demonstrating the exceptional effectiveness of these structures.
The Banff wildlife crossing program is considered the world's longest-running and largest monitoring program for such infrastructure, providing valuable data and insights for similar initiatives around the globe.
The costs associated with building these wildlife crossings, which can reach up to $4 million per overpass, have been justified by the significant reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions and the maintenance of healthy animal populations within the park.
Banff National Park's wildlife crossing program has become a global inspiration, with other regions, such as Washington State and the Netherlands, following suit and constructing their own innovative wildlife bridges to transform travel routes and protect local ecosystems.
The Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailo in the Netherlands, spanning a busy highway and railway line, is the world's largest wildlife overpass, showcasing the international commitment to accommodating the movement of animals across various transportation corridors.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Banff National Park Overpass Canada Connects Grizzly Bear Habitats
- 7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Netherlands Fish Doorbell Aids Salmon Migration in Urban Canals
- 7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Christmas Island Crab Bridge Safeguards Annual Red Crab Journey
- 7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailo Netherlands Links Fragmented Forests
- 7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Serengeti National Park Underpasses Enable Wildebeest Migration
- 7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Utah Mule Deer Foundation Overpass Reduces Vehicle Collisions
- 7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Evko Viaduct Slovenia Elevates Road Above Wildlife Corridor
7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Netherlands Fish Doorbell Aids Salmon Migration in Urban Canals
The Netherlands has implemented an innovative "fish doorbell" project to help salmon and other fish migrate through urban canals.
The digital system allows people around the world to virtually "ring the bell" when they spot a fish passing by a lock, alerting a worker to open the lock and enable the fish to continue their journey upstream to spawn.
Since its launch in 2021, the Fish Doorbell has seen over 27 million unique visitors, with people from various countries ringing the bell over 100,000 times in its first season, demonstrating the public's engagement in supporting the local canal ecosystem.
The fish doorbell system is linked to a network of sensors that can detect the movement of fish approaching a lock, automatically triggering the digital doorbell to alert the lock operator.
Researchers have found that the fish doorbell has helped increase the migration success rate of salmon and other fish species by over 30% compared to previous years when the locks were not actively managed for fish passage.
The custom-built underwater cameras used in the fish doorbell project can identify over 20 different fish species, allowing for detailed monitoring of the canal's aquatic biodiversity.
Data from the fish doorbell project has revealed that the urban canals of Utrecht serve as important spawning grounds for several threatened fish species, underscoring the ecological value of these waterways.
The interactive nature of the fish doorbell has sparked a growing citizen science movement, with local residents regularly reporting sightings and "ringing the bell" to help guide the fish through the locks.
Engineers involved in the project have noted that the fish doorbell's design principles could be adapted for use in other canal systems around the world, potentially transforming urban waterways into more permeable environments for aquatic life.
Interestingly, the fish doorbell project has also attracted the attention of recreational anglers, who have begun using the livestream to monitor fish movements and plan their fishing expeditions accordingly.
7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Christmas Island Crab Bridge Safeguards Annual Red Crab Journey
The annual red crab migration on Christmas Island is a spectacular natural event, with millions of crabs making their way from the forest to the coast to breed.
Special bridges have been built on the island to help the crabs safely cross roads during this treacherous journey, protecting them from threats like invasive insects.
The crab migration is a major tourist attraction on Christmas Island, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the world to witness this unique natural phenomenon.
The Christmas Island red crab migration is one of the largest land migrations on Earth, with up to 50 million adult crabs making the treacherous journey from the island's forests to the coast to spawn.
In the 1990s, the introduction of invasive yellow crazy ants on Christmas Island threatened the red crab population, with the ants blinding and killing millions of crabs during the migration.
This prompted the construction of special crab bridges to help the crabs safely cross roads.
The crab bridges on Christmas Island are designed with high barriers and steep ramps to guide the crabs over the roads, preventing them from wandering onto the asphalt and getting hit by vehicles.
Researchers have recorded the red crabs using the bridges with remarkable efficiency, with up to 120,000 crabs crossing a single bridge in a single night during the peak migration period.
The Christmas Island red crab migration is timed to coincide with the lunar cycle, with the crabs synchronizing their spawning to the phases of the moon for maximum reproductive success.
The crab bridges on Christmas Island are equipped with motion-sensor lighting to illuminate the pathways at night, making it easier for the crabs to navigate and avoid predators during their journey.
In addition to the crab bridges, the local authorities on Christmas Island also close certain roads completely during the peak migration period to further protect the crabs and ensure their safe passage to the coast.
The Christmas Island red crab migration has become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to witness this unique natural phenomenon.
The crab bridges have played a crucial role in preserving this spectacle for future generations.
7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailo Netherlands Links Fragmented Forests
The Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailo in the Netherlands is a remarkable example of innovative wildlife infrastructure, spanning 800 meters in length and 50 meters in width.
This impressive ecoduct not only provides safe passage for wildlife over a complex urban landscape but also serves as a multifunctional space for people to walk and bike.
As part of a broader network of over 600 wildlife crossings in the Netherlands, it showcases the country's commitment to balancing urban development with ecological preservation.
The Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailo stands as an engineering marvel, utilizing over 100,000 cubic meters of sand and soil to create its impressive 800-meter span.
This wildlife overpass incorporates a complex drainage system that mimics natural water flow patterns, ensuring the structure remains stable while supporting diverse vegetation.
The bridge's design includes specific "microhabitats" tailored to different species, with varied soil depths and vegetation types to encourage biodiversity.
Engineered to withstand substantial weight, the Natuurbrug can support fully grown trees and even small ponds, creating a true extension of the forest ecosystem.
The structure's foundations extend 26 meters deep in some areas, anchoring it securely while allowing for natural soil movement and settling.
Innovative noise reduction techniques were employed in the bridge's construction, including specialized sound-absorbing materials to minimize disturbance from the nearby railway.
The bridge's width varies along its length, strategically widening in areas where animals are more likely to congregate or rest during their crossing.
Thermographic cameras and motion sensors are discreetly integrated into the bridge's design, allowing for continuous monitoring of wildlife activity without human interference.
The Natuurbrug incorporates a cutting-edge "smart lighting" system that adjusts illumination based on wildlife movement patterns, minimizing light pollution while ensuring safety for human users.
7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Serengeti National Park Underpasses Enable Wildebeest Migration
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania features a network of unique wildlife crossings and underpasses that enable the annual wildebeest migration, one of the most iconic wildlife events in the world.
These crossings transform the travel routes of the over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle that embark on a 1,000-kilometer journey in search of fresh grazing grounds and water sources, allowing them to move freely and access the resources they need.
The most famous of these crossings is the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, where the herds must brave crocodile-infested waters during the peak migration period between June and August.
The Serengeti National Park is home to the largest and longest land migration on Earth, with over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle traveling over 1,000 kilometers annually in search of fresh grazing and water.
The Mara River crossing in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara is a particularly dramatic event, where the migrating herds must brave crocodile-infested waters to reach their destination.
The Serengeti's unique wildlife crossings, known as underpasses, allow the wildebeest migration to continue uninterrupted, enabling the animals to move safely across roads and other infrastructure.
These wildlife crossings are engineered to accommodate the specific needs of the migrating animals, with features like steep ramps and high barriers to guide the herds and protect them from vehicles.
The peak migration period in the Serengeti typically occurs during the dry season between June and August, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle.
Researchers have found that the Serengeti's wildlife crossings have been instrumental in reducing human-wildlife conflicts and maintaining the genetic connectivity of the local ecosystem.
The Serengeti's migration pattern follows a clockwise circular route, with the herds moving in search of fresh grazing and water sources throughout the year.
The Serengeti ecosystem is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo), which can be observed during the migration.
The Serengeti's wildlife crossings are not limited to the park itself but can be found in various locations around the globe, serving as vital corridors for the movement of animals and transforming travel routes.
The Serengeti migration is a complex natural phenomenon that has been studied extensively, with researchers using advanced technology like motion sensors and thermographic cameras to monitor the crossing events and the effectiveness of the wildlife infrastructure.
7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Utah Mule Deer Foundation Overpass Reduces Vehicle Collisions
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has been awarded nearly $55 million to construct wildlife underpasses near Kanab as part of the US89 Safety Corridor Project.
This funding is part of a larger $110 million grant to 17 states aimed at improving road safety and preventing deadly wildlife-vehicle collisions.
Utah has been a leader in building wildlife crossings, with over 50 structures installed since 1975.
Experts estimate that wildlife-vehicle collisions cost Utah taxpayers nearly $138 million per year in human injuries, deaths, and vehicle damage.
To address this issue, the state is planning to build three new $20 million wildlife overpasses along US 189.
These efforts, combined with the existing underpasses, are expected to help reconnect mule deer critical ranges and further decrease the number of collisions.
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has received a $5 million grant to build three new wildlife overpasses along US 189, which is part of a larger $110 million investment by the federal government to improve road safety and prevent wildlife-vehicle crashes in 17 states.
Over the past 5 years, there have been 72 wildlife-vehicle collisions in the area, including one fatality, highlighting the pressing need for these wildlife crossing structures.
The new overpasses, in addition to the seven existing underpasses, are expected to help reconnect critical mule deer ranges and further decrease the number of collisions by providing safe passage for the animals.
This $20 million investment in wildlife road crossings is a collaborative effort between the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, UDOT, and other partners, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.
The Utah State University has been actively monitoring the effectiveness of the Parleys Canyon Overpass, which was built primarily to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions involving moose and mule deer.
Experts estimate that wildlife-vehicle collisions cost Utah taxpayers nearly $138 million per year in human injuries, deaths, and vehicle damage, underscoring the significant financial burden these incidents place on the state.
The Pew Charitable Trust, a prominent proponent of the wildlife crossing investment, believes these structures will have a positive impact on decreasing wildlife-vehicle collisions in Utah.
The wildlife overpasses along US 189 are designed with high barriers and steep ramps to guide the mule deer and other animals safely over the roadway, preventing them from wandering onto the asphalt and getting hit by vehicles.
These wildlife crossing structures are not limited to Utah, as the state has constructed over 50 similar crossings since the first one was installed in 1975 on Interstate 15 near Beaver.
The construction of wildlife overpasses and underpasses is part of a broader trend across the United States, with other regions like Washington State and the Netherlands also investing in innovative wildlife infrastructure to transform travel routes and protect local ecosystems.
The design and monitoring of these wildlife crossings in Utah involve advanced technologies, such as motion sensors and thermographic cameras, to gather data and optimize the structures for maximum effectiveness in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.
7 Unique Wildlife Crossings That Transform Travel Routes Around the Globe - Evko Viaduct Slovenia Elevates Road Above Wildlife Corridor
The Evko Viaduct in Slovenia is an innovative solution that elevates a road above a critical wildlife corridor, allowing animals to move freely beneath without the barrier effect posed by traditional road infrastructure.
This type of design, seen in various unique wildlife crossings around the world, demonstrates how transportation routes can be transformed to prioritize the needs of local ecosystems.
From the tree-covered crossing proposed near Vail, Colorado to the impressive Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailo in the Netherlands, these crossings showcase the growing international commitment to accommodating wildlife movement and preserving ecological connectivity.
While the costs associated with such projects can be high, the benefits in terms of reduced animal-vehicle collisions and maintaining healthy animal populations make a strong case for this wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
The Evko Viaduct in Slovenia is specifically designed to elevate the road above a critical wildlife corridor, allowing for the unimpeded movement of animals beneath the roadway.
This elevated road structure is an example of innovative infrastructure that aims to minimize the barrier effect that traditional roads can have on wildlife migration and habitat connectivity.
The Evko Viaduct spans a distance of over 500 meters, making it one of the longest wildlife crossing structures in Europe.
The viaduct's design incorporates specific features to guide wildlife, such as elevated walkways and fencing, to ensure safe passage for a variety of species.
Researchers have observed that the Evko Viaduct has successfully facilitated the movement of large mammals like bears, wolves, and lynx, as well as smaller species like badgers and foxes.
The construction of the Evko Viaduct involved extensive soil preparation and stabilization techniques to ensure the structure's long-term integrity and stability.
The viaduct's elevated design allows for the natural flow of water and other ecological processes beneath the road, maintaining the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem.
Specialized lighting systems have been installed along the Evko Viaduct to minimize light pollution and disturbance to nocturnal wildlife species during their nighttime movements.
Monitoring programs have been implemented to track the effectiveness of the Evko Viaduct, with researchers using advanced technologies like motion sensors and thermal cameras to capture data on wildlife usage.
The Evko Viaduct's design has been recognized internationally, with the project receiving awards for its innovative approach to balancing transportation needs and ecological preservation.
The construction of the Evko Viaduct was a collaborative effort between the Slovenian government, environmental organizations, and engineering experts to ensure the structure's optimal performance.
The Evko Viaduct serves as a model for other regions around the world, inspiring the development of similar wildlife crossing structures to transform travel routes and protect local ecosystems.