Wildlife Crossing: Giving Animals the Right of Way
Wildlife Crossing: Giving Animals the Right of Way
The most effective crossing structures mimic animals’ natural habitat. They may have grates to add light or be designed to maintain a particular level of moisture. Natural features are created with brush, logs, tree stumps, soil or rocks. Fencing, hedges or walls made of earth or stone can guide animals away from roads and toward crossings. As well as reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, overpasses keep habitats connected, especially for grizzly bears. Road ecologists, however, may propose tunnels or underpasses for small to medium animals, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and other aquatic species. Wildlife underpasses are less expensive to build than bridge crossings. They can be built with round or elliptical culverts, usually made of cement or metal. Square-shaped passages, called box culverts, allow larger wildlife to pass under roads. As with overpasses, fencing may be used to direct larger species toward crossings.
This new title in the “Orca Footprints” series addresses the environmental issues created by the vast number of roadways that connect communities throughout the world. It is timely as another new wildlife overpass, Stoney Nakoda Exshaw Wildlife Arch, is nearing completion near Canmore. Alberta, in a transportation corridor where the success of these crossings has attracted world-wide attention.
The “Introduction” describes road networks in terms of their essential nature for human transportation but quickly turns the focus to their impacts on wildlife. This concern has created the science of road ecology. In four chapters, readers learn a brief history of roads and their general effect on ecosystems, how different structures are being used to minimize vehicle/wildlife collisions, effects of pollution caused by road construction and use, and, finally, some of the new innovations and technologies being implemented to reduce damage to wildlife populations and the environment. Part of each chapter highlights ways young people can become more aware of the impacts of human activity on wildlife and the simple actions they can take to make a difference. Resources include print and online suggestions for further study. The “Glossary” offers concise definitions of some ecological terms that may be new to readers. An “Index” will be included in the final copy.
The book uses a direct factual approach. Even though the topic touches everyone, Wildlife Crossing: Giving Animals the Right of Way is more likely to be read by competent young readers already interested in the subject rather than as a leisure reading choice. At times, readers are invited to reflect on their own situations with questions or statements like, “Imagine driving through a forest…”. Inserts called “Road Test” offer true/false challenges to clarify additional concepts such as biodiversity, air pollution and ghost roads. “Safe Passages” are sidebars that describe ideas that have proven successful to aid wildlife movement. Readers are encouraged to realize this new science is evolving, with research ongoing as technologies improve, and to understand that a collaborative effort (e.g. ecologists, biologists, engineers) is needed for projects to succeed. With many professionals involved, there is opportunity for future careers in road ecology. Good quality, up-to-date photos assist the reader in understanding the concepts, and illustrate the variety of animals and habitats that have made road ecology necessary.
Wildlife Crossing gives an intriguing overview of the topic in just 48 pages, but it is a good addition to science collections with a focus on the environment.
Gillian Richardson is a freelance writer living in British Columbia.