Separate ecoduks are provided for squirrels, possums and the like. These are just ropes stretched between trees on opposite sides of the road. As additional supports, ordinary columns are used
Separate ecoduks are provided for squirrels, possums and the like. These are just ropes stretched between trees on opposite sides of the road. As additional supports, ordinary columns are used. Separate ecoduks are provided for squirrels, possums and the like. These are just ropes stretched between trees on opposite sides of the road. As additional supports, ordinary columns are used.
IN THE ANIMAL WORLD
You can literally protect animals from contact with cars - a fence along the highway. With an extensive road network, fragmentation of the landscape into small segments will inevitably disrupt the routes of natural migration of animals to feeding places, watering places, and seasonal habitats. And then the inevitable decline in population will far block the losses under the wheels of cars. So, artificial transitions are needed for animals.
On the rights of the automobile nation itself, the Americans began to solve the problem. The first wildlife passage tunnel appeared in the United States in 1955. Europe realized the danger much later: an analogue was built in Holland only in 1974. A year later, the States implemented a new solution: the so-called eco-product, simply a bridge over the highway. However, not asphalted, but covered with natural vegetation and soil for this place. Passing through it, animals do not feel the dangerous proximity of civilization. The first such structure in the Old World (it was built in 1982) is on the account of France.
American experts recommend making moves under wide routes in one tunnel, and not in two, with a gap at the site of the dividing strip of the highway (pictured). So much less noise from cars penetrates inside, which irritate and frighten animals. The second option provides better natural light, but most migrations occur at night when it is not important
American experts recommend making moves under wide routes in one tunnel, and not in two, with a gap at the site of the dividing strip of the highway (pictured). So much less noise from cars penetrates inside, which irritate and frighten animals. The second option provides better natural light, but most migrations occur at night when it is not important. American experts recommend making moves under wide routes in one tunnel, and not in two, with a gap at the site of the dividing strip of the highway (pictured). So much less noise from cars penetrates inside, which irritate and frighten animals. The second option provides better natural light, but most migrations occur at night when it is not important.
Since then, tunnels and bridges for fauna of all stripes have become commonplace on western highways. In the same United States, on some routes they are made every kilometer and a half. And this is only for large mammals, not counting the pipelines laid under the asphalt for small rodents and reptiles. But this is not enough. According to statistics collected in North America, from 1990 to 2004, the number of accidents involving wildlife increased from 200 to 300 thousand, one and a half times. At the same time, the number of other road incidents remained at approximately the same level. The annual damage to property was estimated at $ 1 billion, not to mention hundreds of human and thousands of animal lives.
Volvo is working on an animal recognition system dangerously close to a car. In a year or two, the new option will go into mass production
Volvo is working on an animal recognition system dangerously close to a car. In a year or two, the new option will go into mass production. Volvo is working on an animal recognition system dangerously close to a car. In a year or two, the new option will go into mass production.
FOR YOU, GOATS …
Places for eco-winds and tunnels are carefully chosen. Even before the construction of the road, the huntsmen indicate the existing animal trails. In these places and organize transitions. Of course, it is difficult to foresee everything in advance, so the work does not stop even after the main line is commissioned. Plots of loose earth or sand are left along the roadway, as in a border strip. According to the presence and number of tracks on them, employees of environmental organizations determine the popularity of these places in animals. If necessary, they will build additional objects of animal infrastructure. But it is impossible to please all animals at the same time, someone’s routes are still interrupted. In this case, the animals are sent to safe transitions. A fence with a single pass is a crude but effective option. The huntsmen also help here, laying out the bait on the new trail.
There are animal crossings on the same level with the road. Pedestrians will envy this, for example. The approach of animals is fixed by special sensors
There are animal crossings on the same level with the road. Pedestrians will envy this, for example. The approach of animals is fixed by special sensors. There are animal crossings on the same level with the road. Pedestrians will envy this, for example. The approach of animals is fixed by special sensors.
Deer and elk over time remembered the place where the gap in the fence is specially provided
Deer and elk over time remembered the place where the gap in the fence is specially provided. Deer and elk over time remembered the place where the gap in the fence is specially provided.
A luxurious and wide eco-product, as a rule, does not cause fear in animals. The width sometimes exceeds 100 m, and the record is 800 m. The largest are called landscape bridges. Drivers passing under them find themselves in a full tunnel. In some parks there are mixed ecoduks. Tourists walk along them during the day, at night - full inhabitants of the forest. The width of such structures is 15–20 m. The length of the ecoduk is a less important parameter, but it is recommended not to exceed 80 m.
Small and medium-sized animals are not as finicky as large mammals - for most, a commonplace pipe under the road is enough. Nevertheless, minimal comfort is ensured - under the paws natural soil
Small and medium-sized animals are not as finicky as large mammals - for most, a commonplace pipe under the road is enough. Nevertheless, minimal comfort is ensured - under the paws natural soil. Small and medium-sized animals are not as finicky as large mammals - for most, a commonplace pipe under the road is enough. Nevertheless, minimal comfort is ensured - under the paws natural soil.
It is much more difficult to build a comfortable "puncture" under the road. The darkness of the unknown passage, in which the noise from passing cars echoes, will scare away the animals no worse than the highway itself. Therefore, the tunnel is soundproofed, covered with natural turf, a stream or a small river is passed through it. Equipping the structure with the help of artificial materials, do not forget about their convenience for animals. Will the paw get stuck? Is the elk high enough for luxurious horns? For large mammals, a passage height of 3.5 m and a width of at least 7 m is recommended.
Fences not only protect the beast from getting under the wheels. They direct to ecoduks and to the entrances to the tunnels
Fences not only protect the beast from getting under the wheels. They direct to ecoduks and to the entrances to the tunnels. Fences not only protect the beast from getting under the wheels. They direct to ecoduks and to the entrances to the tunnels.
Barriers are used not only in the immediate vicinity of ecoduks and other transitions. In the US, they fenced entire national parks and reserves. Passing through Sweden, you perceive the fence as an element inseparable from the highway. The height and strength of the obstacle are due to the diversity of animals living in the area. For the passage of people, gates are made in it, certainly with locking devices. If a "hole in the fence" is necessary for any reason, iron sections are laid on the ground under electrical voltage. The discharge will not cause harm to the forest inhabitants, but will warn about the restricted area.
Despite all the precautions, the Wild Animals sign is still in demand. An extra reminder to the person who is actually the master in these possessions
Despite all the precautions, the Wild Animals sign is still in demand. An extra reminder to the person who is actually the master in these possessions. Despite all the precautions, the Wild Animals sign is still in demand. An extra reminder to the person who is actually the master in these possessions.
