bridge network, with over 40 such structures across the

is a link of wildlife habitat, generally made up from native vegetation, which joins two or more
larger areas of similar wildlife habitat. Wildlife corridors play a very important role in maintaining
connections between animal and plant populations that would otherwise be isolated and
therefore at greater risk of local extinction. Eco-bridges may include: underpass tunnels,
viaducts, and overpasses (mainly for large or herd-type animals); amphibian tunnels; fish
ladders; Canopy bridge (cx a result, the habitat will suffer severe biodiversity decline and local
extinction of sensitive species.
Animals may also suffer by not being able to access particular habitats. In times of drought,
roads can prohibit animals from reaching water.
Further, when animals cross roads, mortality is often the result. This rate of mortality can
severely threaten animals and has been identified as a leading cause of the decline in some
populations.
In such circumstances, wildlife corridors can help halt biodiversity loss and redress some of the
impacts of the degradation and isolation of ecosystem.

Importance of Eco Bridges in Biodiversity Management

 To prevent genetic isolation of fragmented flora and fauna populations, the bridge would
encourage the interaction of wildlife by facilitating movement between the once separated
forests and effectively expand habitat, mating and foraging ranges of flora and fauna.
 With wildlife crossing the expressway from one nature reserve to another, the chances of
pollination and dispersion of rare native plants could greatly increase.
 Eco-bridges would also bring about greater interaction between individuals leading to a
healthy exchange of genetic materials, thereby reducing the occurrence of inbreeding and
increasing the long-term survival of our native species.
 Providing crossing infrastructure at key points along transportation corridors is known to
improve safety, reconnect habitats and restore wildlife movement. Throughout Europe,
Asia, Australia and North America, wildlife crossing structures have been implemented with
demonstrable success.
 Species that prefer natural areas (urban avoiders or urban adaptors) have not evolved as
fast as the rapid pace of development. Thus, they prefer to remain within the natural areas
or their edges. The species that prefer urban areas (urban exploiters) are usually different to
those found in natural areas. Therefore, appropriate corridors for the dispersal of species
are necessary to link between natural areas if they are far apart or isolated.
Overpasses such as this one allow for traffic to continue for human convenience, while allowing wildlife to
pass unharmed beneath from place to place

Challenges Involved with Eco Bridges

 The challenging aspects of wildlife corridors are the lack of funding because of the lack of
research into the actual benefits of these corridors. Many organizations involved in
spreading the word about wildlife corridors find it hard to generate a response.
 Wildlife corridors often need to be built towards a specific animal population which can
decrease their efficiency in the grand scheme of conservation. A big horned sheep, for
instance, might not cross a wildlife corridor built for that area’s bear population even though
its migratory habits are similar.
 As many wildlife corridors intersect busy roads or places where a lot of humans are, many
species shy away from the area. Corridors also need to be built very wide to maintain the
wilderness effect, but this land is very hard to get approved for usage as a wildlife corridor in
some cases.
 They also must maintain the same habitat as the areas the animals call home, or crossing
will seem unnatural to the animals using the corridor. Unfortunately, these corridors often
allow for the safe passage of invasive species of flora and fauna which can drastically
change the ecosystem of a nearby area that was once inaccessible.
 More study needs to be conducted on specific animal migratory patterns as well as the
overall benefits of these corridors in order to know if they are truly worth the cost of building
and maintaining. In the meantime, the existing corridors should be taken care of and used
as stepping stones for the future of localized animal conservation.

What Can be Done?

Overall corridor management should aim to ensure that ecological processes and corridor
function are maximised:

 Maintain and increase vegetation cover and habitat quality to maximise connection between
larger remnants of vegetation. This will help dispersal of wildlife populations between larger
remnants and ensure genetic interchange and seasonal wildlife movement;
 Provide specific habitat resources and ecological needs, particularly for threatened species
(e.g. Koalas);
 Maximise corridor width and function by revegetation and control of weeds and feral
animals;
 Maximise the protection/linkage of landforms (i.e.. valley floors, floodplains, gullies, mid-
slopes and ridges).