Wildlife crossing structures monitoring in the Catalonia’s road network
Abstract

In the environmental impact assessment procedure of transport infrastructures, has an special significance the analysis of several effects related to habitat fragmentation. Thus, the environmental impact studies incorporate different measures to mitigate these effects. Additional measures have been implemented by the environmental administration, especially about the monitoring of their efficiency or functionality.

The monitoring is included in the tasks of the road conservation plan during the first two years, which includes plantation maintenance, and other restoration works.

Until the present, a total of 101 monitoring reports have been carried out (data from Wildlife Crossing Points Inventory in Catalonia’s road network): mainly modified culverts (76) as well as multiuse underpasses (13) and wildlife underpasses (8). During 2015, 4 monitoring of ecoducts have been carried out in two roads (C-25 and C-37).

Some results of the 101 monitoring are: the methodology is adapted to detect the use by lagomorphs, carnivores and ungulates. Nevertheless some other groups have been detected: anura, ophidia, sauria, birds and small mammals. Some monitoring brings also data about the frequency of use of each specie or taxon.

In most number of structures (98%), some taxon of wild species had been detected. The monitoring gives other significant incidences detected as erosive phenomena; human disturbances which are reflected in the results.

Some general conclusions of these monitoring works are:

The applied corrective measures are well designed

  • The construction or adaptation of crossing structures reduce the impacts
  • The construction or adaptation of structures reduce the risk of collision in the road security
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Keywords
monitoring, efficacy, fauna passages